CUPERTINO, CA — The Watsonville High boys soccer team ran roughshod through its competition in the 20th edition of the Homestead High Christmas Cup.
The trend continued Saturday in the championship game.
The Wildcatz, behind a goal from tournament MVP Kevin Contreras in the 22nd minute, held off Salinas 1-0 to earn their second straight Homestead High Christmas Cup Gold Division title.
“We were looking for that good game to show us where we are and this game did it,” said Watsonville coach Roland Hedgpeth. “We know what we can do.”
Hedgepth said this was the most physical game his team has played so far this season.
Salinas, who like Watsonville game into the title game unbeaten on the year, was not intimidated by the ‘Catz and its national No. 23 ranking in the game.
The Cowboys' counterattack strategy worked well in limiting the 'Catz to fewer shots than they’re accustomed to, but Watsonville’s defense wasn’t giving up anything.
Watsonville (7-0) held Salinas to only one shot on goal and a single corner kick through the first 70 minutes of the match before Salinas had four straight corner kicks and free kick in the waning minutes of the match. Like it did all tournament long and all season long for that matter, Watsonville’s defense didn’t give an inch as the Cowboys weren’t able to get away with a score.
“Our defense has always been solid but we want to finish a little bit better,” said Hedgpeth.
In four tournament games, Watsonville outscored its opponents a combined 9-0.
Dating back to last season the ‘Catz — reigning Central Coast Section Division I co-champions with Bellarmine — stretched their unbeaten streak to 15 matches.
Unlike last year when Watsonville had to eke out a penalty-kick shootout against Half Moon Bay to win the Homestead Christmas Cup, this year the ‘Catz just had to survive their toughest and most physical match of the year.
“It was very nervewracking like CCS,” said Contreras of the title game. “Because we were back and forth, back and forth. We know how they play and they want to beat us badly now, but I’m confident in my team, the players, the coaching staff. We have a good team.”
Contreras got his second goal of the tournament off a carom and the junior nailed it from point-blank range.
Along with Watsonville and Salinas, the Gold Division featured Homestead, Half Moon Bay, Santa Clara, Burlingame, Overfelt and Los Altos.
The Cowboys came into the contest averaging 3.8 goals per game during their first five matches of the year, including a big 3-2 win over Soledad, but they hadn’t yet faced a team the caliber of Watsonville.
“For playing the No. 23 ranked team in the country I think we did very well,” said Salinas coach Juan Alejos. “They should’ve rolled all over us but they didn’t. They are great champions, but we are going to get them again. This not the end, this is only the beginning.”
Alejos said he feels his team can play with teams the caliber of Watsonville, Alisal and Alvarez and that the MBL-Gabilan Division will be very deep and highly contested.
“We didn’t score and coming in we were averaging nearly four goals,” said Alejos. “Their defense is very good but we’ll face them again and we’ll get them.”
Salinas (5-1) won’t have to wait long to get another shot at Watsonville as the Cowboys host the ‘Catz on Jan. 13 at The Pit in early season Monterey Bay League Gabilan Division action.
