:Archrivals all tied up

NORTHWEST GLENDALE — The yellow cards told the entire story.

Seven in all were handed out in Friday's soccer match between Glendale High and Hoover as physical play dominated action.

In the end, both teams managed a goal apiece as the Nitros tied the host Tornadoes, 1-1, in a Pacific League matchup.

In the even affair, both coaches couldn't contain their displeasure with the refereeing.

"It's sad when you have a referee take over the game," Glendale Coach Carlos Santiesteban said. "Those are called bad calls, not questionable calls."

Santiesteban was referring to the numerous calls made by the referee that continued to bring the game to a screeching halt.

Hoover Coach Charles Martinez was just as unimpressed with the overall calls, as he received one of the yellow cards in the 41st minute after arguing.

"Every game like this is really physical and really tough," Martinez said.

Bad calls aside, the action inside the lines was hard fought.

The Tornadoes (6-4-1, 5-1-1)were able to strike first, just five minutes into the match.

After James Hernandez was pulled down from behind in the penalty box by a Nitros defender, the Tornadoes were awarded a penalty kick.

Hernadez stepped up and calmy knocked home the PK on a low, driving shot that caught goalie Luis Martin off-guard.

Instead of getting down on themselves about the early defecit, the Nitros (2-7-1,2-4-1) regrouped and took it to their opponents.

In the 23rd minute, the persistence paid off as Glendale co-captain Albrik Tahmasian scored the equalizer.

On a sequence which began on the far, right sideline, Sean Harbouche chipped the ball to Tigran Avagyan, who turned and found a streaking Tahasian, unguarded in the middle of the goal box.

Tahasian fired a shot just above Hoover goalie Willie Carballo's outstretched arms.

"We managed, got a great goal and got the momentum back," Santiesteban said of his team's comeback.

It was a goal that Martinez felt really swung the momentum in Glendale's favor.

"We underestimated them a little bit in the first half," Martinez said. "We made a big mistake when they tied the game, giving them a gift like that.

"It gave them confidence."

Neither team was able to get back on the scoreboard for the remander of the contest, as the chances became minimal in the second half.

Hoover had the best opportunity, as Hernadez's shot from a few feet in front of the goalie was turned away in the final minute of action.

It was a hard tie for the Tornadoes to swallow, considering that they currently sit atop the league standings, just ahead of Arcadia.

"We didn't play our game today," Hernadez said. "We were getting frustrated out there."

For the Nitros, the tie was just as positive as a win, as they attempt to climb back into league contention.

Said Santiesteban: "Our goal is to not lose another game. We have to avoid losing."