A second observation was needed late in the first overtime period of the Emporia High boys soccer team’s match against Seaman Tuesday night.
With just over eight seconds left in the first overtime period, the Spartans got a free kick after a yellow card. Once the free kick was launched, Kevin Magana received it and kicked it toward the goal. At that moment, it was not ruled a goal. The Spartans got a second look with a header that hit the top of the crossbar which was not signaled as a goal.
The head referee blew his whistle and went to his nearest assistant referee for discussion. Mere seconds later, the whistle was blown and the game was final.
Emporia High 2, Seaman 1.
Magana says he’s fortunate enough that he was in the right place at the right time.
Coach Victor Ibarra says this wasn’t the first time he’s seen a game end dramatically. Ibarra adds that Magana might be a sophomore, but got playing time last season as a freshman.
Emporia High had a 1-0 lead at halftime thanks to a first-half goal by Emilio Aleman. Seaman tied the game in the 50th minute as the Spartans had an own goal.
Emporia High is now 1-1 on the season. The Spartans wrap up their three-game homestand with a match against Maize South at 6:15 p.m. Thursday at the EHS Turf Field. Maize South is the defending Class 5A state champion.
