GEORGETOWN — El Paso Bel Air poured in four straight goals to erase an early Sharyland High lead and the Highlanders ended the Rattlers’ season 4-1 in a Class 5A state semifinal Thursday at Birkelbach Field.
The Rattlers finish the season with a 19-5-5 overall record, including a 12-1-5 mark during district play to capture a share of the District 31-5A champion.
Their run to the Class 5A state semifinals marked the second time in program history they made it to the state tournament.
“I think in their playing style, that is how they got us,” Sharyland High head coach Jorge Guerra said. “Their game plan and the way they executed it, we knew what they were going to do but we just couldn’t stop them. We tried implementing our game, and we just struggled a lot. Give Bel Air all the credit. I hope they win state.”
The Rattlers struck gold early, earning a penalty kick just a minute into the game following a foul by Bel Air on senior forward Alan Guerrero.
Moments later, senior captain Jose Sanchez did what he’s done all season, converting the penalty attempt to put Sharyland High up 1-0. The goal marked his fourth of the postseason.
The lead was short-lived, with El Paso Bel Air tying the contest just five minutes later on a laser shot from Ruben Esparza.
Esparza’s goal unraveled the Rattlers’ defense, giving up the lead during the 28th minute to send the Rattlers into the break trailing 2-1.
The Highlanders continued to pour it on during the second half, extending their lead to two on a goal by Oscar Ibarra during the 54th minute. Esparza netted his second goal of the day to make it 4-1 with 15 minutes left, all but sealing the Rattlers’ fate.
“I don’t think we did a bad job, but they got the best of us,” Sanchez said. “They knew where to attack us and hit us good. After they scored that second shot they kept the momentum, and we got off slowly. It just wasn’t our day. Just like they won 4-1, we could have done it as well. It just went their way today, and I wish them the best on Saturday.”
The Rattlers are now 1-1 in state semifinal games, defeating Mansfield 3-1 during the 2012 Class 5A state semifinals. Sharyland High went on to capture the state title that season, defeating Katy Morton Ranch in a shootout.
Sharyland High’s march to the Class 5A state tournament this season included four straight shutout victories, outscoring their first four postseason opponents 12-0. A 2-1 victory over Leander Rouse in the Region IV-5A final secured a spot in the Class 5A state tournament for the Rattlers for just the second time in program history.
“That is how this game goes sometimes,” Guerra said. “Sometimes no matter how much you want it, things just don’t go your way. It didn’t go our way today. It wasn’t our best game, but I’m proud of these boys and all their hard work. It is an unforgettable season for me and them. We just have to continue going forward.”
The 2023 UIL state soccer tournament continues today for the RGV, with Hidalgo still alive after defeating San Elizario 1-0 in a Class 4A state semifinal. They’ll take on the Palestine Wildcats in the Class 4A state championship game at 2:30 p.m. at Birkelbach Field.