ETNA – The first soccer game ever played at Duncan Field (Etna’s football field) couldn’t have turned out much better for the host Lions. With just seconds remaining in the match and the score tied 2-2, Junior Zavalza lofted a corner kick to near the 18-yard mark. Brent Davis, who had moved up from his defender position, hammered a header into the Weed Cougar goal for the game-winner.

The goal was not only the game-winner, but also the only time Etna led in the match. Weed took the led at the 18-minute mark, when Salvador Avila headed in a pass from Usmaro Sanchez.

Eight minutes later, Justin Hiett knocked one home for the Lions, tying the score, 1-1. The score remained the same going into half time.

The Cougars had an opportunity to retake the lead eight minutes into the second half, when they were awarded a penalty kick. However, Sanchez’ shot hit the left post and went out of bounds, giving Etna a temporary reprieve.

Weed caught a break at the 51-minute mark, when Erik Anaya’s clearing attempt hit Avila and ricocheted into the Lion net, putting Weed back in front 2-1.

Etna evened the score with about 18 minutes left in the match. Zavalza crossed a pass from right to left, and Hiett headed it past the Weed keeper to knot the score, 2-2.

At about the 80-minute mark, the center official informed both teams that there would be two minutes of added time. It proved to be just enough for the Lions to capture the win.

Davis’ goal had been in the planning the entire day. Following the match, Zavalza explained the strategy.

“Ask anyone. I said this morning that I wanted Brent to come up on corner kicks. He can jump and he’s aggressive,” said Zavalza, who called for Davis to move forward before taking the corner kick.

The quote of the day came from Etna football player Ryan Hicks, who had not seen the Lion soccer team play before. Talking to his friends on the soccer team, Hicks said, “I was so jacked up watching you guys. I should have played football and soccer.”

The Lions improved to 5-4 in SCL play, while the loss for the Cougars dropped them to 1-7-1.

While there are still games to be played in the SCL, only the final playoff position is in doubt. Mt. Shasta (9-0) has won the league, and finishes the regular season against Fall River today. Fall River is in second place (6-2) and finishes its season against fifth place Trinity (1-6-2) on Thursday. Etna is third (5-4) and finishes up with fourth place Modoc (2-5-1) on Saturday. While Fall River and Etna could finish tied for second at 6-4, Fall River holds the tiebreaker. Modoc plays Weed on Thursday. Weed would need a minor miracle to sneak into the four-spot.

The SCL playoff tournament starts on Tuesday, October 27. Etna will travel to Fall River. Mt. Shasta will host the fourth place finisher.