The Steamboat Pilot & Today

Tracy Mendoza, of Moffat County, makes an attempt at the goal against Bryce Peters at the end of the first half. Photo by Hans Hallgren

Craig — Leading 2-1 in the final minutes of Tuesday’s soccer game against Steamboat Springs, Moffat County could sense the victory

But Steamboat Springs coach Rob Bohlmann had different ideas.

In the final minutes, Bohlmann pulled a midfielder up to the front line, and the move paid off.

Sam Glaisher crossed a perfect pass through the Bulldog defense, setting up a goal-scoring blast off the foot of Steamboat senior Kevin Bertrand that caused the game to end in a 2-2 tie. The tie prevented what could have been a pivotal win for the Bulldogs in their quest for a playoff berth.

Bertrand also got the Sailors on the board first Tuesday, scoring 13 minutes into the contest.

“Andrew White flanked it,” Bertrand said. “I got it right off of a header. It was pretty sweet.”

Moffat answered six minutes later behind a penalty kick by Tracy Mendoza.

“I just try to not get nervous on those types of kicks,” Mendoza said. “I just pick a side and go.”

With the match tied, 1-1, Moffat was awarded another penalty kick on a Sailor hand ball.

Oscar Ramos took the shot and scored, propelling the Bulldogs to a 2-1 lead.

“My techique is the stutter step,” Ramos said. “I then wait for him to commit before I shoot.”

The Sailors out-shot the Bulldogs, 10-6, but Bulldogs assistant coach Jeff Hammond was pleased with his team’s performance.

“It’s a tie,” he said, “but that’s three games in a row for us without a loss.”

The game was the regular season finale for the Sailors, who finished at 6-4-2. Steamboat's standing in the Western Slope League playoffs depends on other league games tonight.