OAKWOOD — The Johnson boys scored three consecutive second half goals to pull away for a 4-2 win over Northview on Wednesday in the first round of the Class 5A state playoffs.
The match was deadlocked at 1 at halftime as a spirited Northview squad was able to keep the third-ranked Knights (13-4) in check. Jorge Sandoval scored with 19 minutes left in the first half to get Johnson on the board but Northview answered minutes later to send the game to the intermission tied at 1.
The Knights turned up the pressure in the second half. Abraham Gomez gave Johnson the lead for good with a goal, Sandoval added his second goal of the game for a 3-1 advantage and Kevin Castillo capped off the night for the Knights.
Northview scored its second goal late in the game but could get no closer as the Johnson back line put in a solid performance.
Johnson moves on and will play host to Cass in the second round.
