In three matches, Espinoza has scored 12 of Wilson's 19 goals.
Mariners goalkeeper Ty Marking tried to slow down the kid with the Mohawk. Marking stopped some powerful shots, in one series four at point-blank range during the first half.
Espinoza still managed to go on a scoring rampage in the first 30 minutes against Mariners. Espinoza had four goals as Wilson led, 4-1, at halftime.
One minute into the second half, Espinoza struck again. Coaches Eduardo Saavedra and Edgar Vega yelled, "No mas!" after Espinoza's fifth goal. The third-grader obeyed, nodding his head.
It was Peña's turn to find the back of the net.
Pena scored two minutes later, putting Wilson ahead, 6-1. Pena and Espinoza knew they were on their way to leading Wilson to today's semifinal at 10 a.m.
The two left the game in the 36th minute. The only thing bothering Espinoza was his right abdomen.
A parent on the sideline said Espinoza was in slight pain because of all the running. Espinoza just smiled. He rested for six minutes, only to return after Mariners' Cameron Harper scored two goals in a two-minute span.
Harper's third goal cut the deficit to 6-3. Coach Glyn Lister said Harper was Mariners' "engine."
Wilson's trains never lost their steam.
Pena and Espinoza hooked up for another goal. Pena fed a sweet pass to Espinoza and he dribbled in and beat the goalkeeper.
Late in the match, Peña closed things out with his second goal of the day.
