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Laredo wins thrilling PDL opener
Late game-winning goal topples in-state rivals
Laredo’s attempt to qualify for the U.S. Open Cup for the second year in a row got off to a good start with a dramatic 4-3 win over the Austin Lightning. The Heat’s Jesus "Chuy" Sanchez was the hero for  the home side, scoring two goals including the game-winner late in the game. Sanchez, who was second on the team with six goals last year, opened the scoring in the 41st minute only to be followed by teammate Ernesto Contreras’ goal one minute later.
Laredo found themselves leading 3-1 when Austin forward Jon Uriarte was sent off in the 67th minute. With the Lightning down to 10 men and down by two, the game looked to be in hand, until Austin scored two goals in a six minute span, with the equalizer coming in the 78th minute. In the 88th minute, Sanchez scored to keep the Heat’s Open Cup hopes alive. Lightning goalkeeper Chris Sanders and Ryan Shaughnessy of the Heat made eight saves a piece in an exciting start to the PDL season.
Since they changed the qualifying format to the current "conference format" in 1999, this loss has crippled the chances of Austin qualifying for the tournament. Since 1999, only eight of the 39 PDL teams that qualified, made it in with a loss.
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