Shawn Garlick struck the game-winning goal minutes into stoppage time to lead West Valley to a 3-2 NorCal regional playoff-opening win over Woodland at Dick Schwendinger Field Wednesday. The No. 9 Vikings (12-4-3) travel to No. 8 Merced (9-5-6) Saturday in round two.
The Vikings stormed to a 2-0 halftime lead after a 7th-minute goal from Devin Rosas (Pavan Nawbatt assist) and a 20th-minute tally from Erik Moreno (Nawbatt). That lead would evaporate in the second half.
Cristian Garcia drew the Eagles to within 2-1 at the 51-minute mark and then Ricardo Diaz got the equalizer 16 minutes later. The game seemed destined for overtime until Garlick converted a Moreno feed just before the end of regulation.
Aria Afshar had three saves on his way to the win in goal.
The second-round battle at Merced is slated for a 5:00pm kickoff.