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BLOOMINGTON — Julio Martinez is willing to lead by example.
Fontana’s senior playmaker scored three goals and had to be carried off the field after the final whistle in a 3-1 victory over Bloomington in a Sunkist League boys soccer match Friday night.
“It was super important to get these three points. They’re vital. Bloomington’s on top and we’re working our way up from the bottom,” Martinez said.
The Steelers’ No. 10 scored in the third minute and added two more goals in the second half as Fontana (13-2-5 overall, 4-2-1 in league) beat Bloomington for the second time this season.
“We were expecting (Bloomington) to come and attack us but we had a game plan for them, and we knew they could hurt us,” Fontana coach Rigo Isarraras said.
Martinez was left lying on the turf and a Bloomington defender was sent off after using excessive force in challenging for the ball near midfield in the closing minutes. Martinez was unable to get up on his own and as the clock surpassed full time the referees made the decision to end the match.
“It was late but I’m not going to complain. I’ve had worse and we got the three points,” said Martinez, who was hoisted to the bench by coaches but was able to get to his feet and walk around after the match.
Martinez’s early goal gave his teammates belief that their rollercoaster league season is on its way up after a 3-0 win over Arroyo Valley earlier this week.
“For me, the first goal was key because it showed my team was ready to play and give a performance,” Isarraras said.
Lucas Carballo scored his 10th goal of the season in the 10th minute for Bloomington (6-7-1, 5-2-0), which had its five-match unbeaten streak snapped.
“I think we came out weak, honestly. Our players didn’t have the right mentality and once Fontana scored that quick goal it was like, ‘We’re always going to be behind,’” Bloomington assistant coach Fabian Carballo said. “Then we relaxed a little too much in the second half.”
Martinez gave Fontana a 2-1 lead in the first five minutes of the second half with a devastating run up the right side, dancing and turning with the ball before firing a shot inside the near post.
“They sent me a long ball down the line and I just took advantage of it. I let it run and I cut to my left but he was expecting a shot with my left so I cut it to my right and I found a little gap in the top corner,” said Martinez, who celebrated with a headfirst slide to the corner flag.
Bloomington had a goal-scoring effort negated by an offside flag midway through the second half, and Martinez added a third for Fontana in the 75th minute when he cleaned up a loose ball in the penalty area.
Fontana now is 12-8-3 vs. Bloomington since 2007 but just 3-3-0 over the last six meetings.
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