Boys soccer: Hampshire's PK beats Burlington Central

After more than 70 scoreless, back-and-forth minutes Tuesday, Hampshire finally got a break - or a breakaway.

That resulted in a penalty kick, which the Whip-Purs converted for the game's only goal and a 1-0 win against Burlington Central.

In the 72nd minute, Juan Alva found himself racing in alone against Rocket goalie Sam Buckman. As Alva blew past the off-balance keeper, he had little choice but to grab Alva's ankle.

The play resulted in a red card for the Rocket goalie and a penalty kick for Hampshire. The Whips' Juan Martinez lofted the shot high into the net.

That was all the offense Hampshire needed in the Fox Valley matchup on Rocket Hill.

"It was a tough one to take because it was tied 0-0, all the pressure, but I had to take it," said Martinez. "Somebody had to step up and that was the game-winner. I helped the team out, so I was happy."

Before that, neither team generated a great deal of scoring chances. Momentum swung back and forth with the teams alternating stretches of possession.

Hampshire coach Chayanne Martinez gave credit to the defense, led by Gerardo Marquez and Evan Korabik.

"Axel Munoz and Evan Amegasse did a great job chasing the center defensively and making sure that we shifted left to right," said Martinez.

Hampshire keeper Kyle Schultz made 3 saves while pitching the shutout for Hampshire, which moved to 1-1 in FVC play.

As the scoreless battle wore on, it grew increasingly chippy, with yellow cards piling up. Hampshire was a man short during the critical breakaway due to an earlier red card.

For Central, which lost its third straight 1-goal game to open the season, it was a case of missed opportunities.

"We had plenty of chances, I thought we had more control of the game, and again we went up a player as well, but just didn't take advantage of it," said Central coach Dimitri Tsoukalas. "We lost our discipline, lost our focus, let up one opportunity, they got a penalty off of it, and the rest is history. It's unfortunate, but that's how this game works."

Nathan Batani made a late run with a chance to tie it, but his shot sailed just wide.