BY GREG LUCA | STAFF WRITER
McAllen High’s Jackie Lemus scored and played a key role defending Laredo United South’s top threat, Emily Zapata, as the Bulldogs came away with a 3-2 win in the bi-district round of the playoffs on Friday at Roma High School.
“Jackie had a heck of a great game,” McAllen High coach Pat Arney said.
McAllen High took a 1-0 lead into halftime on a goal by Quetzel Toren, but Zapata scored early in the second to tie it up. Lemus and Dana Idrogo netted goals for McHi before Zapata tallied again to bring South within a goal.
McHi goalie Ruby Iracheta came up with a key save late to protect the lead.
“The last minutes were pretty nail-biting,” Arney said. “We were bringing girls back and double-teaming their superstar and just trying to hang on there at the end. Sometimes, the momentum switches. But the girls did a great job. I’m very proud of them.”
McHi faces Lopez next, likely Thursday at a time and location to be determined.
McALLEN MEMORIAL 5, LAREDO LBJ 0: At the Student Activity Center in Laredo, McAllen Memorial jumped on Laredo LBJ early, scoring twice in the first 10 minutes.
The Mustangs had extended their lead to 5-0 by halftime, with goals from Alyssa Adriano (2), Cameron Alaniz, Leslie Flores and Daisy Robles.
From there, Memorial cruised to the win.
“Our pace relaxed in the second and LBJ came out with a few hard challenges and fouls from frustration,” coach Matthew Kaiser said. “We kept our composure but slowed down the intensity, hoping to avoid any unwanted cards or unnecessary injuries.”
Memorial will face Brownsville Hanna in the area round.
LOS FRESNOS 5, PSJA MEMORIAL 0: At PSJA Memorial High School, Los Fresnos took care of business, easily handling PSJA Memorial. The Falcons will face Laredo United in the area round.
DEL RIO 6, LA JOYA JUAREZ-LINCOLN 5: At Shirley Field in Laredo, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln’s season ended at the hands of Del Rio.
BOYS
LA JOYA JUAREZ-LINCOLN 4, LAREDO UNITED SOUTH 3: At the Student Activity Center in Laredo, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln pulled out a win and will face Brownsville Veterans next week in the area round.
DEL RIO 3, LA JOYA PALMVIEW 1: At Shirley Field in Laredo, a goal by David Almazan was all Palmview could muster as Del Rio ended the Lobos’ season.