Valiente I vs. MetalTek

02/02/2012, 1:00pm |

Valiente I - 10, MetalTek - 8

In a see-saw battle between Valiente I and Metaltek, Valiente I held on for the hard-fought 10-8 win that wasn’t decided until the final minute of play.

First chukker goals from Metaltek’s Will Johnston and Sebastian Merlos (penalty conversion) were answered by goals from Santiago Bottaro and Santiago Toccalino for Valiente as the first period ended in a 2-2 tie.

The teams stayed even after the second chukker at 4-4 with Valiente I getting single goals from Toccalino and Bottaro while Carlucho Arellano and Merlos countered with goals for Metaltek.

In a defensive-oriented third chukker, Toccalino managed the only goal on a penalty shot for the narrow 5-4 halftime lead.

Second half action began with Arellano tying it up at 5-5 on a penalty conversion. Jeff Hall kept Valiente in front, 6-5 with a penalty conversion that ended the chukker.

Arellano opened the fifth chukker with a penalty goal to tie it at 6-6, but Valiente I quickly responded as he took the ensuing throw-in 150 yards for the go-ahead score, 7-6. Robert Jornayvaz scored his first goal of the match to give Valiente I a two goal lead, 8-6. Arellano added a goal from the field to keep Metaltek within striking distance, 8-7, as the chukker ended

Arellano tied it up again in the final period of play at 8-8, but Valiente I stormed right back. Jornayvaz hammered the ball through the Metaltek goal for a 9-8 lead with two minutes left in regulation play. Metaltek continued to mount a successful attack, but the Valiente I defense was u to the task. A final Metaltek four put Bottaro at the penalty line with seconds left on the clock. The shot was good for the 10-8 final score and a Valiente I win.

A balanced Valiente I attack saw Bottaro score four times; Toccalino add three goals; Jornayvaz registered two goals and Hall added a goal for the victory.

Arellano accounted for four goals for Metaltek. Merlos scored three times and Johnston tallied once.