Two late goals lift Aledo over Sherman, 3-2, in boys' bi-district soccer playoff match

Tanner VanCuren and Jarrod Nelson each scored late goals to break open a tight match to elevate the Aledo Bearcats to a 3-2 victory over the Sherman Bearcats Friday night in a Class 5A boys' bi-district playoff match at Bronco Field in Denton.

Sherman closed the scoring with 3:25 left to play but it was not enough as Aledo hung on for the win.

The win advances Aledo to the area playoffs. AHS will face the winner of the Arlington Heights/Poly match.

VanCuren scored on a blast from 35 yards with 4:25 remaining, and Nelson's goal came from in front of the net after a feed from Noah Hill at the 8:51 mark.

The Aledo Bearcats struck first early in the first half.

After two near misses at good scoring chances, Hill sent a high kick toward the Sherman net, and senior Danny De La Cerda elevated from the box and sent a header into the back of the net to give AHS a 1-0 lead with 33:04 remaining in the opening half.

Sherman tied the score, 1-1, on a 20-yard shot off a throw in with 16:24 left in the half. The score remained 1-1 at the break.