Kevin Argueta’s late goal lifts Linganore boys soccer past Thomas Johnson 1-0

Linganore senior captain Kevin Argueta challenged his teammates before Thursday’s match at Thomas Johnson: win the game, and the Lancers could have Friday off from practice.

When nobody else had broken through with less than 10 minutes left, Argueta took care of it himself.

In the 71st minute, a bouncing ball spilled free inside the Patriots’ end. Argueta reacted first, slipped behind the defense and finished a one-on-one chance for the only goal in Linganore’s 1-0 road victory.

The goal was Argueta’s first regular-season score in two years.

He normally plays a much more defensive role for the Lancers, anchoring the midfield and helping protect the back line. Linganore coach Zack Yurich described him as the “heart of the team” because of the work he does in both directions.

Thursday was also one of Linganore’s strongest defensive performances of the season.

Thomas Johnson created more pressure as the game progressed, especially in the second half, forcing goalkeeper Brooks Acton to deal with repeated attacks and three corner kicks.

Acton made one of the game’s most important plays in the 50th minute, diving to stop a set-piece opportunity just before the ball crossed the goal line.

The Lancers improved to 4-1-1.

Thomas Johnson fell to 3-1-1, suffering its first loss of the season despite creating several second-half chances.

TJ coach Jonathan Thayil said the Patriots made positive tactical adjustments after halftime but could not produce the final touch needed to score.

The result also continues Linganore’s recent success in the matchup. According to the source material, Thomas Johnson has not beaten the Lancers in five years.

Both teams now move into tougher portions of their schedules.

Linganore will soon face top county opponents including Tuscarora and Urbana, while Thomas Johnson also enters a stretch of more difficult competition.