Torre scores twice to lead Valley View
BY IVAN PALACIOS
SPECIAL TO THE MONITOR
MISSION — After playing their last two matches from behind, the Valley View Tigers came into Friday night’s District 31-5A matchup with a simple game plan — attack early.
The Tigers did just that, scoring twice in the first half to come away with a 2-0 victory over the Sharyland Pioneer Diamondbacks on Friday night.
“We started very slow the last two games,” Valley View head coach Gerardo Salazar said. “Kids get nervous when we’re behind. So, I just told them lets go ahead and do it the other way around. I told them let’s go ahead and get the ball out of our side and begin like that. I think that relaxed the kids a little more because they weren’t playing from behind.”
With junior striker Pablo Torre leading the charge, the Tigers went on the attack from the opening whistle, controlling possession of the ball for most of the opening period. Despite the aggressiveness, Valley View had difficulty getting on the board, failing to capitalize on multiple opportunities.
Still, the Tigers kept their foot on the gas, waiting for the first goal to come. That goal finally came with 12:58 left during the half, when Peter Yañez tapped in the ball past the goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead.
Torre and the Tigers remained on the prowl looking to increase their lead. With 3:36left in the half, Torre wound up from the top of the penalty area and delivered a strike through the net to put his team up 2-0 late in the first period.
Torre has scored six goals during the team’s three wins leading all scorers in District 31-5A play.
“He’s our captain,” Salazar said. “He’s only a junior. I’m very surprised that he’s taken over. We have some seniors and I usually expect them to take over the team. I’m very proud of Pablo Torre. He’s not only a leader in the games, but in practice as well. I’m very glad we have someone who comes out and leads and I don’t have to be saying everything.”
Going into the second period with a comfortable lead, the Tigers’ game plan remained the same. Much like the first half, Valley View controlled possession of the ball for most of the period, stifling any chance at a Diamondbacks comeback.
With the win, their third in a span of five days following reshuffling of games due to COVID-19, the Tigers move into a tie with the McAllen Memorial Mustangs atop the District 31-5A standings.
“We just worry about us,” Salazar said. “That’s what I told the kids. Just worry about us and take it day by day. I told them it was going to be a tough week. We didn’t even practice on Tuesday and Thursday. I told them to go home and get liquids and their food and their sleep. But they responded pretty good. I’m glad that we got out of this week the way we did.”
The Tigers (3-0) will host the PSJA Memorial Wolverines at 6 p.m. Monday. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks (2-1) travel to take on the McAllen Rowe Warriors at 6 p.m. Monday, as well.