The Lowry High School boys soccer team entered Tuesday night’s match in Elko, knowing that a win would get themselves into the playoffs for the first time since 2015 and a second appearance since 2012.
The Buckaroos got off to a slow start in the first half and trailed 3-0, before scoring the next two goals. However, the Indians netted an insurance goal in the second half to win 4-2.
JJ Backus and Anthony Cuevas had scoring chances early in the first half but cold not convert them into goals. In the 17th minute the Buckaroos had free kick near the goal but the shot, only to see the kick get saved to the side.
Moments later Elko jumped on the scoreboard on a shot by Natu Meles. In the 32nd minute, Meles crossed a pass to Chris Perez, who’s shot hit the crossbar and into the net for a 2-0 lead.
With five minutes left in the half, Elko added to the advantage. After the Buckaroos were called for a yellow card, the Indians moved the ball down the field and Meles connected on his second goal of the day. The lead remained at 3-0 at halftime.
Lowry’s offense kicked it into gear early in the second shot, as Giovanni Sapien kick was saved by the Elko goalie but Christian Cuevas was there for the rebound and the Buckaroos’ first goal.
Four minutes later, Lowry closed the gap to 3-2, when JJ Backus took a deflected ball and put in the back of the net.
However, in the 69th minute, Lowry was called for a foul in the box and Meles completed the hat trick by making the shot and giving Elko a 4-2 lead.
Late in the match, Elko had two goals taken back on offside calls.
Lowry (8-7-2) traveled to North Tahoe on Friday and results were not available at press time. A Buckaroo win qualified them for the playoffs. Elko took on Spring Creek on Friday. If the Indians won or tied and Lowry lost, Elko would reach the playoffs. An Elko loss moves Lowry into the playoffs regardless of the outcome in North Tahoe.
Sparks (15-0-1), North Valleys (11-5-1), South Tahoe (11-6-0) and North Tahoe (9-6-2) have clinched for of the five playoff spots in the Northern 3A ‘A’ division. Lowry and Elko are the only two teams that remain playoff eligible.
