Matthew Gorry | The Elkin Tribune
Daniel Cortez’s two goals powered Elkin past Wilkes Central in overtime.
MORAVIAN FALLS - Overtime goals by Daniel Cortez and Ashton Gant powered Elkin to a thrilling win over Wilkes Central Thursday.
Cortez found the back of the net in the 85th minute of the game, while Gant’s goal just four minutes later gave the Buckin’ Elks a crucial 4-2 Mountain Valley Conference victory.
Wilkes Central jumped out to a 1-0 lead with a Brett Boone goal at the four-minute mark. But Cortez answered less than a minute later to tie the game at 1-1.
Andrew Palaez gave the Elks a one-goal advantage in the 13th minute to extend the lead to 2-1.
In the 65th minute, an Elkin defender took down Central’s Denis Hernandez in the box, resulting in the game-tying penalty shot.
After going to the extra period, Cortez added his second goal of the match before Gant tacked on an insurance goal to preserve the Elkin victory.
The Elks were unable to carry the momentum of the overtime victory into Monday’s contest with second-place Forbush, falling 5-2.
Elkin now sits at 7-4 on the season and 5-2 in the MVAC. The Elks lead West Wilkes by three games for the top seed among 1A clubs in the conference in the upcoming state playoffs.
Elkin returns to the field tonight against East Wilkes before traveling to conference-leading Ashe County next Monday.
Reach Matthew Gorry at 835-1513 or mgorry@heartlandpublications.com.
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