NMMI runs away from Robertson to advance

It was an opportunity missed by the Las Vegas Robertson Cardinals on Tuesday afternoon.

On a dusty field at New Mexico Military Institute, the Colts broke through with two goals late in the first half, and Robertson couldn’t penetrate their defense until it was too late. The result was a 3-1 win for second-seeded NMMI in the semifinals of the Class 1A/3A

State Boys Soccer Tournament.

That sets up a finals matchup between the Colts and top-seeded Albuquerque Sandia Prep, which beat No. 4 Rehoboth Christian 2-1 in the other semifinal.

The Cardinals came into the match winners of seven straight and nine of their last 10 but could not convert on several chances early in the match. Despite controlling play for much of the first half, the Colts slowly turned momentum their way.

It came to a head in the 35th minute, when NMMI forward David Portugal took on three Robertson defenders in the penalty box and was fouled on his attack. His penalty kick to the lower left of the goal was deflected by Cardinals goalkeeper Cody Craig’s left arm and into the upper half of the goal to break the scoreless tie.

In the waning seconds of the first half, Portugal was fouled by Haynes Hunt from 40 yards out that set up a direct kick. His pass into the goal found Javier Yepiz, who headed it past Craig into the left side of the net for a 2-0 lead.

NMMI (17-3) padded its lead in the 56th minute when Portugal crossed a corner kick to Humberto Valdez, who out-jumped Robertson defender John Fernandez and headed his shot over Craig for the insurance goal.

Robertson avoided the shutout when Aaron Doss was fouled in the penalty box in the 79th minute, and it led to Christian Larranaga’s penalty-kick goal to the right side of the net.

Robertson finishes at 15-5-1.