By Michael Kinney
Isaias Silva has had so many huge nights for the Mustang boys’ soccer team this season, that at some point the extra-ordinary would just start to feel common.
However, that is not the case for Silva. Even after the senior forward scored four goals Tuesday to lead the nation‘s No. 3 ranked team to 4-0 victory over Norman High in the opening round of the playoffs, he is still stunned when these scoring outbursts take place.
“Obviously, it’s surprising,” Silva said. “First round playoffs, you don’t expect that. It’s not normal.”
Silva’s four goal performance gives him 31 on the season. That breaks the old single-season scoring record that had belong to Garrett Dresel.
According to Mustang coach Jared Homer, Silva would be in line for even more records if it was not for COVID-19 taking away all of the 2020 campaign.
“He is a special kid. I am so happy for him. He works hard and does everything you ask,” Homer said. “Not playing last year, he would have set the all-time record for Mustang for a career. But he is going to be shy of that just because of missing a season.”
Mustang’s shutout of Norman was the 14th time this season they have not allowed a goal. That includes shutting out the Tigers 4-0 in the season opener.
The Broncos have only given up two goals this season.
For Silva, who has signed with Mid-American Christian University, knowing he has that type of stingy defense working alongside him has been priceless.
“Our backline is strong,” Silva said. “Only given up two goals in the season. We know that both goalkeepers are strong and that really helps us forwards. We know we can get one and they won’t give up any.”
Homer also gave credit to the defense, which put a stranglehold on the Tigers in the first half and gave the MHS offense time to get into gear after not being able to take advantage of some early scoring opportunities.
“All four of those guys, keeper included, have been lights out all year,” Homer said. “Tonight was much the same. We knew we were going to see a lot of the ball. Parker (Arnold) and Case (Schroeder) did a great job. (Dylan) Gann made one decent save in the first half and in the second half they did everything they were supposed to. You are going to win a lot of games not giving up goals. And having that luxury, on top of what we have in the front half, is pretty awesome.”
The Bronco’s first score of the game didn’t come until 8:23 left in the first half. Silva scored on a penalty kick after Keagan Prigmore was taken down by the Norman goalie.
Above: The Broncos Isaias Silva looks for an opening against the Norman defense Tuesday night in the 6A playoffs.
Mustang took a 1-0 lead into halftime before opening up the flood gates. Silva had a hat trick on the second half as the Broncos kept the pressure on all night.
“Getting that first one we knew that we would get that confidence,” Silva said. “We knew that the second one would come. It was just a matter of time.”
Top-seed Mustang (16-0) will now move onto quarterfinal action Friday when they will host Norman North (9-4). The Broncos and Timberwolves have not played each other this season.
Even coming off an impressive shutout, Homer said there are still things his squad needs to work on.
“Just being able to score early and let them relax a little bit,” Homer said. “Just being better in the first half and understanding you’re going to have chances, take them, finish them. Then not make that first half so much of a fight.”
Copy & Photos by Michael Kinney Media