Victory gives Juan Diego share of Region 14 title

DRAPER — Juan Diego has had rival Waterford in its sights ever since Stephen Phillips and the Ravens whipped them 3-1 earlier this season.

When they met again in the final game of the regular season, Juan Diego built its entire defensive strategy around containing Phillips.

Led by sweeper Derek Holbeck, the Soaring Eagle managed to do just that and carried almost all the play offensively.

After coming close on several occasions, Angel Enriquez' golden goal in overtime Wednesday lifted Juan Diego to a thrilling 1-0 win over its rival and gave both teams a share of the Region 14 title.

"I've not been able to sleep since they killed us," said Enriquez. "We deserved (to win)."

Per league rules, a coin toss will be held today to determine who will be the No. 1 seed when the 3A playoffs begin next week.

After nearly 90 minutes of frustration, Juan Diego finally managed to beat Waterford's defense. The ball came to Enriquez near the edge of the six-yard box, who fired the ball on-goal. His initial shot was blocked down by Spencer Linsley, but Juan Diego forward Juan Carlos Ramirez reached the ball before it ran out of play.

From the end line, Ramirez calmly played the ball back to Enriquez, who buried his effort past Waterford's goalie.

"I just killed (the ball)," Enriquez said.

Juan Diego's outstanding defensive effort, led by Holbeck, kept the high-octane Ravens off the scoreboard. Cameron Wynhoff and Damian Malouf also played well defensively.

Juan Diego coach Mark Drown said he wanted his team to focus on Phillips because of his goal-scoring abilities.

"Whenever he has the ball on his feet, it's like glue," Drown said about Phillips, who has scored 17 goals this season. "He just doesn't give up the ball."

Drown has played Holbeck all over the field during the season. but decided to put the senior captain at his natural position of defender against the Ravens.

Holbeck responded to the move with an outstanding performance. When it came to slowing down Phillips, the captain received lots of help from Ryan Beck and Enriquez.

At the other end, the Soaring Eagle had several good chances to win the game in regulation, but poor shooting and three great stops from Waterford 'keeper Jason Parkin kept the scoreline level.