FREDDY GONZALEZ | Valley Morning Star
With most of the attention in soccer going to goal scorers, it’s the shot stoppers that rarely get any admiration.
However, with Harlingen High making the postseason for the first time in 10 years, this week’s Valley Morning Star boys Player of the Week is Cardinals’ goalkeeper Rick Deleon.
“Rick had some key saves against San Benito last week and has been playing very well all year,” said Harlingen head soccer coach Johnny Guillen. “He has been one of the main reasons we have been in every game we have played this year.
“He is a hard worker and a team player that will do whatever is needed to help his team be successful.”
And as Coach Guillen discussed, Deleon’s desire to succeed this year began before the season commenced.
“Rick’s been working really hard since last year finished because he wanted to make his senior year memorable for himself and team,” said Guillen. “He worked very hard during the offseason to be ready for this season. He is a true leader on the field as his is off and he gets the team motivated to bring the best out of them. He is the senior captain and has really demonstrated what it is to lead the team.”
After grabbing the fourth playoff seed in District 32-6A, the Cardinals will take on PSJA Southwest in the bi-district round at 6 p.m. Thursday at Boggus Stadium.