Jimenez’s four goals propel New Kent into Region 3A soccer semifinal

Despite being grabbed by Lake Taylor’s Jose Cerroblanco (14), New Kent’s Diego Jimenez (18) continues to control the ball.

Robb Johnson photo

One thing that New Kent boys’ soccer team is thankful for is the scoring ability of Diego Jimenez.

Jimenez scored all four goals for the hosting Trojans as they defeated the visiting Lake Taylor Titans in the May 29 Region 3A semifinals.

The Titans’ tough schedule and persona on the field showed how dominant they could be, as they pushed around the smaller Trojans. That physicality showed as the visitors scored the first goal in the game at the 20:34 minute mark. And while Jimenez was able to score a goal for the Trojans eight minutes later, Lake Taylor added another point at the 4:06 mark as they took a 2-1 advantage into halftime.

New Kent looked flat for most of the contest, but their second half play showed that they could adjust to the physicality. The Trojans’ defense picked up, and with precise passing, began to become more aggressive on offense. The ploy worked, as New Kent was awarded a penalty kick. Jimenez netted the ball to tie the game with 33:08 remaining in the second half.

Both teams continued to battle back-and-forth aggressively, with neither team budging off the tie scored. With less than 10 minutes remaining in regulation, Jimenez converted his third goal, cinching the hat trick and providing New Kent with their first lead of the game.

The Titans began feeling the pressure as the Trojans continued to keep the visitors on defense. That pressure cracked Lake Taylor’s defense, as New Kent’s Grayson Yates provided an assist to Jimenez, who notched a goal. The Trojans closed out the remainder of the contest as they kept the visitors from taking any additional shot attempts.