Huge PK Save Keeps Katy 1895 FC in the Hunt for a Playoff Berth

June 27, 2021

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By Taylor Fletcher/Katy 1895 FC

Katy 1895 FC defeated Fort Worth Vaqueros FC by a score of 2-1 on Saturday evening in Lone Star Conference action.

The match was a chippy, tense affair, with the Katy FC squad going down a man in the first five minutes of the game after a challenge from outside of the box resulted in a red card.

“We had to adjust after the unfortunate red card,” Katy head coach Carlos Flores said. “We had to make a change to the system on the fly.”

After the play, Fort Worth looked to press their numbers advantage and took advantage of the confusion between the Katy 1895 FC players after the tactical shift.

Vaqueros had opportunities to score, but the backline and goalkeeper stood strong to hold it to a scoreless game at the half.

The Katy 1895 FC squad adjusted their play at the beginning of the second half and came out with a renewed focus and effort.

Early in the second half, Christian Coburn was played in behind and put away a goal to put the home side in front 1-0.

Soon after, Kelechi Onyewuenyi was able to find the back of the net with an incredible 30-yard chip of the opposing keeper to make the game 2-0.

“Every game, I try to go for the chip of the keeper and all game, I heard my teammates on the bench telling me, ‘The keeper is off his line, the keeper is off his line’ so I was determined to go for it,” Onyewuenyi said.

However, the game was not over as Fort Worth Vaqueros soon responded with a goal of their own after a defensive miscommunication on the Katy 1895 FC backline led to a goal. The momentum of the game shifted to the visitors. All the resulting pressure led to the most significant moment of the match when the Vaqueros were awarded a penalty.

It was all up to goalkeeper Andres Schlaefli to make a big save and preserve the lead.

He came through.

“I noticed when he placed the ball down,” Schlaefli said. “He was facing to my right. I wanted to get in his head a little bit, so I told him, ‘I am going right.’ I was still a little shocked when my left [top] hand blocked the ball. First thing I thought, ‘Did I just make this save?’ and then I thought, ‘We have to win this game.’”

The match turned on that play for the Katy side, and they were able to hold onto the victory.

Schlaefli was named Man of the Match. He appreciated the gesture but was effusive with his praise.

“It was awesome to make the save but every guy that played tonight came on and put in a shift for the team,” Schlaefli said. “I was much more proud about that. “

Katy 1895 FC made the most of its opportunities in the battle tonight.