OAKLAND – Garfield coach Mark Pieklo had already seen Dave Herrera come through in these spots before.
“Any time he’s around 25 yards and in and Dave’s got the ball with a free kick, he’s dangerous,” Pieklo said. “He proved it time and time again in the county tournament, state tournament, and through the four years he’s been here that he’s a big-time player.”
And Herrera proved it one more time.
He scored on a free kick with three minutes remaining, lifting Garfield to a 2-1 victory over Pascack Hills (15-5-1) in a Group 2 boys soccer semifinal at Indian Hills on Tuesday.
Wojciech Piwowarczyk scored earlier in the half for the Boilermakers, and Noah Rak scored for the Cowboys.
“This is great,” Pieklo said. “I’m very happy for the program. I’m happy for the school. First time in 40 years that we’re back to the group final, and I’m thrilled for everybody.”
