Staff reports
LAREDO — The Rivera Raiders moved on to the third round of the Class 6A soccer playoffs with a 3-1 victory against Del Rio on Thursday at Shirley Field in Laredo.
Eliseo Ortiz recorded a hat trick for the District 32-6A champion Raiders, who next play either Brownsville Veterans Memorial or La Joya Juarez-Lincoln next week in the regional quarterfinal round of the playoffs.
Even though Rivera led 2-0 at halftime, Raiders coach Salvador Garcia wasn’t too happy with his team.
“We scored two quick goals in the first 15 minutes, and after we stopped playing,” Garcia said. “It was a disaster after that.
“We didn’t play our best, but a victory is a victory,” Garcia added. “I will take full responsibility for this game’s performance. God is giving us another chance to keep going.”
PACE 3, CORPUS CHRISTI MOODY 1
At Calallen, the District 32-5A third-place Pace Vikings advanced to the third round of the Class 5A playoffs.
The Vikings were coming off last Saturday’s 2-0 bi-district upset of Valley View.
Pace, back in thee playoffs for the first time since 2010, now faces either Porter or Laredo Cigarroa in next week’s third round of the playoffs.
HANNA 1, LAREDO LBJ 0
At La Joya, the Golden Eagles are moving on to the regional quarterfinal thanks to a victory over Laredo LBJ.
Eduardo Arellano netted the game-winner for the Eagles midway through the first half.
“We did pretty good,” Hanna coach Reyes Prado said. “We played a district champion, and they were a very well-coached team.”
Hanna will next play the winner of Saturday’s game between PSJA North and McAllen High.
GIRLS
McALLEN HIGH 2, LOPEZ 1
At San Benito, the Lady Lobos’ season ended with a loss to the Lady Bulldogs.
Lopez was down early, allowing a goal from 30 yards out within the first five minutes. After the Lady Lobos allowed a penalty kick some time later, Lopez trailed 2-0.
Ana Olivares — who came into the game as a substitute — netted the Lady Lobos’ only goal during the second half.
“I thought McAllen High wanted it more,” Lopez coach Alex Macias said. “Our girls didn’t have that hunger in them.”
Coming off a highly successful season, the Lady Lobos had a tall order to repeat that success.
“I’m pleased, and I’m grateful,” Macias said when looking back on his team’s season. “This is a rebuilding team from last year’s 21-0 season.”