While the Douglas boys' soccer team's playoff hopes took a hit Wednesday afternoon, the team is keeping in good spirits.
Douglas fell to second-ranked Manogue 2-1 in Minden after nearly tying the game in the closing minutes.
"These kids are always up for a game," Douglas coach Milko Vasquez said. "They were out there working hard and they had a chance to tie it up late. We've lost something like six games by one goal now.
"We just didn't have the bench to keep up with Manogue today. They stuck in there though and almost made something happen. They are gamers."
Manogue scored in the 28th minute on a rocket shot from about 30 yards out.
"There's nothing you can do about that one," Vasquez said. "Their kid got a really good crack at it and sent it in."
Manogue's second goal came in the 71st minute on a drop pass for the 2-0.
Douglas got on the board in the 74th minute when midfielder Christian Salazar sent a perfectly-place through ball to Ross Gardner, who carried nearly 20 yards before firing it past the Miner keeper.
The Tigers nearly tied the game four minutes later when forward Edgar Arceo dropped a pass in front for Gardner and Gardner's shot was tipped just over the cross bar.
Defensively, Douglas got a standout effort from Brian Randall, who at one point broke up a dangerous cross with a bicycle kick, and Edgar Gonzalez. Jeff Crozier and Fabian Ramos were also in the game on defense throughout and keeper Ivan Gonzalez had four saves including a nice kick save in the first half and a diving stop at point-blank range in the second.
Gardner created a number of strong scoring opportunities throughout and Corbin Zumpft, Andrew Andraski and Luke Prinz worked hard in the middle.
Douglas dropped to 4-6-1 in league play and is facing must-win situations in its final three games against South Tahoe (Saturday), Carson and Fallon.
"We just need to win," Vasquez said. "We are still mathematically in it, but Wooster needs to lose once or twice for us to have a shot. Crazier things have happened."
