» TOKAY GOES DOWN IN PLAYOFF SHOOTOUT

The Tokay High boys soccer team saw its playoff run come to an end in the quarterfinals of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I playoffs on Thursday, losing to Jesuit 6-5 on penalty kicks.

After two halves, No. 7 Tokay (15-2-1) and No. 2 Jesuit of Carmichael were tied 2-2. The Marauders scored in the final three minutes in the game that forced overtime, which was two, 10-minute periods that still left the game tied.

“We had some chances,” said Tokay coach Ruben Gomez.

The Tigers and Jesuit made five penalty kicks each. But the Tigers missed their sixth chance while Jesuit made its final shot for the win.

“They’ve been a powerhouse in soccer for a while,” Gomez said. “We played a great game. I’m a coach, y’know, I feel like we deserved to win.”

Matt Salas scored the Tigers’ first goal of the game, off an assist by Leo Ruiz. Then Ruiz scored the second goal in the second half that gave Tokay a 2-1 lead. Jesuit tied the game thanks to a free kick.

Despite the loss, Gomez is proud of the Tigers, who won their second consecutive TriCity Athletic League title.

“Overall, we had a great year,” Gomez said. “Going undefeated in league, and with just the one loss through the preseason games. It’s a great group of kids, the seniors won back to back titles in the TCAL. It’s been a fun year for us. You always want to keep going, but overall, outstanding year, the kids played well.”

Some of the Tigers’ biggest moments were in TCAL action.

“When we were 6-0 after we beat Tracy (in the first round), all right, we have this many games left,” Gomez said. “Even after we clinched against Lodi, I could tell they wanted to finish undefeated. The kids were really proud of that, especially the seniors.”

Although some seniors will be lost to graduation this spring, Gomez feels his team will still be in the thick of the TCAL race next season.

“We’re going to be pretty strong still,” Gomez said. “Losing my main scorer, Ivan (Rosales). Leo’s only a junior, (Alfonso) Ochoa, (Jordan) Baumback, they’ll be seasoned. I’ll lose my two captains, Luis (Baez) and (Alejandro) Andrade. I expect to pretty solid next year. And the kids coming up fro the JV team, they’re good kids.”