By CLAIRE CRUZ, Staff Writer
Christmas is still weeks away, but soccer players and coaches across the East Valley felt that same giddiness when the season started this week.
Monday marked the first day of practice for UIL soccer programs, and excitement was a common emotion radiating through local teams.
“It’s very exciting,” Harlingen South boys coach Julian Robles said. “I was looking forward to it, the kids were looking forward to it. We always wait for this time of year. Once the cold weather hits, you know soccer season is here.”
Added Los Fresnos boys coach Michael Miller: “It’s tough to put it into words. … There’s a lot of happiness, just being on the field and competing with each other.”
After having some limitations due to COVID-19 last year, East Valley coaches are glad to have tournaments back on the schedule. Teams are allowed to begin scrimmaging Dec. 10, and Jan. 3 marks the first day of games.
“(There) was excitement and anticipation,” Pace girls coach Jesus Villarreal said. “We wanted this season to get started already. … When time was up for us, nobody wanted to leave. It’s a very different season from last year. In a way, we’re back to normal. … Last year, most of the scrimmages and non-district got canceled because of COVID (issues for our opponents).
“This year we’re on a full load. We have four scrimmages, three tournaments, non-district. We’re getting ready for this season, and we’re very excited about it.”
The return of tournaments and non-district competition is especially important for programs in similar situations as the Hawks and Falcons. Both boys teams graduated double-digit seniors and have few starters back. Getting to face new teams this year will prepare area squads before district begins the week of Jan. 24.
“We’ve got a very young team coming in, and we’re just excited to get on the field and see where we’re at,” Miller said. “We lost 14 seniors from last year’s team, so a lot of players are looking to prove themselves and prove that even with all those seniors lost, they’re still ready to compete for another district title.”
Los Fresnos had more than 70 boys show up for the first day of practice. Robles said Harlingen South had around 95 participants with only three returning starters after graduating 13 seniors. Robles was impressed by the preparedness of his athletes and assistant coaches.
“One of the main things I liked was the effort and the total involvement, the devotion to the game,” Robles said. “I was really impressed by their work ethic, and that’s one thing we have here that puts us over the top. The vibe was really, really positive on Day 1.
“Our numbers were incredible. It builds a lot of competition. The kids did the conditioning, all the running, and they did an incredible job, so I was very pleased with the first day.”
The La Feria Lionettes also had a strong turnout to open their season Monday. Coach Jesus Echevarria said his staff has made it clear already that reaching the postseason is La Feria’s main focus, and he’s thankful to have a full non-district slate that will help the Lionettes reach that goal.
“We had a great first day of practice/tryouts on Monday,” Echevarria said. “The girls came out ready to work and put forth a great effort. We are fortunate to have the numbers we had for tryouts. It is actually one of the highest number of participants we’ve had. …
“We have a talented group of ladies, and our goal is to be at a highly competitive level when the playoffs come around. Looking forward to the team staying healthy, injury free and having our best season yet.”