BY NATHANIEL MATA | STAFF WRITER
McALLEN — Wins in the regional tournament don’t come easy. Even though Progreso has won seven matches in a row during the past four seasons, the Red Ants had to fight to advance over Taylor on Friday afternoon at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Opportunities were few and far between, but with 16 minutes to play, the ball rolled onto the foot of junior Joshua Soto, who had a yawning net to shoot into.
Taylor’s defense and goalkeeper misplayed a routine ball and Soto was able to kick in the lone goal with ease. The Red Ants continue their season with a 1-0 win over the Ducks.
“After I put it in I was really relieved, but in the process, I was really ready,” Soto said. “I had practiced this every practice, basically. (Coach Margarito) Jimenez prepared me for this and I’m really glad he did because I would have been really sad.”
Soto isn’t the team’s primary offensive target, but he’s known for coming up big in key moments.
“At the beginning of the season, I knew about this kid. He was up and coming from the middle school,” Jimenez said. “He hasn’t scored many goals, but the ones he has have been very important. This is one of them.”
Progreso advances to its fourth Region IV championship in a row. They have won the previous three on the way to the state tournament.
Jimenez said that against a disciplined team, even one goal is an accomplishment. Goalie Arturo Gallegos explained the emotions watching his teammate score.
“That was a great goal for us,” Gallegos said. “I was so happy because the game was so intense. They have a great team, Taylor did its job too. They kept fighting, but we were tougher, I think. We fight a lot. That’s our game.”
Jimenez also complimented Taylor, whose season ends in the Valley.
“They were a very defensive team. They’re a great team,” Jimenez said. “We are very blessed to have scored one on them.”
During the first half, neither team produced dangerous chances or even any offensive rhythm. Defense was the name of the game and Edgar Melendez was up to the task in front of Gallegos.
The Red Ants were quick to collapse toward the ball carrier and outnumbered situations spelled the end of most of Taylor’s would-be chances.
Tino Cristobal was the Ducks player who came closest to scoring. His slow roller during the first half got by Gallegos but stayed wide of the post.
Unfortunately, the first half’s most memorable moment came when Progreso teammates Miguel Puentes and David Cervantes collided in mid-air attempting to head the same ball.
Despite the scary scene, both players seemed fine and continued after a precautionary checkup.
Progreso will face Canyon Lake in the regional final at noon today back at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Red Ants watched Gonzales squander a lead and lose 2-1 to Canyon Lake immediately following their contest.
“We’re going to scout, for sure. But we’re going to keep a cool mind and not let it get to our heads so that we’re prepared as possible for tomorrow,” Soto said after the win.