Author: Nathaniel Mata

by Nathaniel Mata

McHi outlasts Rowe in 30-6A girls opener

NATHANIEL MATA | STAFF WRITER

McALLEN — Due to a late start, McAllen Rowe and McAllen High girls soccer might have been the last teams to kick off district play when the whistle finally blew to start the action at 8:38 p.m Tuesday night.

Neither the delayed start, temperatures in the 50s or a would-be first-half goal that was disallowed due to the game clock expiring could slow the Bulldogs from shutting out their rivals 3-0 at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Bulldogs junior Ava Alaniz saw her first action on the pitch since a foot injury sidelined her since preseason scrimmages in December.

The University of Houston commit made an instant impact when she was subbed into the match in the second half.

“It was obviously super disappointing, I wanted to help my team in any way I could but I had full confidence that they would be able to be successful with or without me,” Alaniz said. “They definitely proved that in all of the showcases that we went to during non-district. But obviously, as an athlete and it’s competitive nature to want to be out there.”

Alaniz found herself facing two Rowe defenders inside the box and took them both wide before dishing a centering pass to fellow junior Sophia Soto who broke open the scoring 50 minutes into the game.

Despite a relatively slow start in non-district and dropping from No. 1 to No. 2 in the RGVSports.com girls soccer rankings, the Bulldogs still have an unspoken aura as the team to beat in local soccer.

Relative is the key word because the Bulldogs still are without a defeat in the RGV, only a 1-1 draw with Los Fresnos, and both of their losses came to teams in metro areas.

Injuries, players getting back from holiday vacation, athletes competing outside of high school all contributed to McHi’s revolving roster.

“I thought Rowe played really well. They’re a good team and they’re not going to make things easy for us,” McHi coach Pat Arney said. “I think they did a great job in the first half. We had some chances but their goalie came up with some big saves.”

McHi sophomore Chloe Fallek spent most of the first half probing at Rowe’s right side halfback. The left side attack turned into a chance for Soto who smashed a shot off the crossbar before finding the net in the second half. Westyn Henderson provided the Bulldogs other dangerous shot but her howitzer from outside of the box was blocked by Rowe goalie Hethyr Moore.

Rowe, on the other hand, tried to run its offense up the middle with long balls to speedy forwards but the McHi backline didn’t let one slip by.

The Warriors were also victims of the early-season injury bug but Alexa Garza and Monse Olvera were able to finally get back into action for their team after missing substantial parts of non-district.

Once McHi found the back of the net in the second half the Bulldogs built on the momentum of the tally.

After the first goal, it was time for McHi freshman Bri Claudio to make her presence felt.

Claudio scored on a fadeaway type kick to give the Bulldogs a 2-0 lead and later hit home a header to make it 3-0.

“Whenever I came (to the team) I was pretty nervous to play with the older girls and see what they would think of me,” Claudio said. “Getting to know them more helps me become a better player like from recent games playing with them and then scoring today was really really good.”

The convincing win for McHi sets up for an intriguing matchup between the Bulldogs and McAllen Memorial Mustangs on Feb. 8

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by Nathaniel Mata

#RGVSoccer boys scores and box score 1.26

Valley HS Boys Soccer Schedule 2018

Friday’s Games

Non-district

Donna North 2, McAllen High 0

McAllen Memorial 5, Hidalgo 1

La Joya Juarez-Lincoln 3, Sharyland High 1

San Benito at Laredo Alexander, not reported

Kingsville King at Raymondville, not reported

District 32-5A

Valley View 8, Mercedes 0

Brownsville Porter 1, Donna High 0

Brownsville Veterans 6, Brownsville Pace 1

Brownsville Lopez 5, Edcouch-Elsa 1

VALLEY HS BOYS SCORES

Friday’s Game

Non-District

LA JOYA JUAREZ-LINCOLN 3,

SHARYLAND HIGH 1

Sharyland High 0 1 — 1

Home Team 2 1 — 3

LA JOYA JUAREZ-LINCOLN (3): Sergio Escareno 2, Nicolas Diaz

SHARYLAND HIGH (1): Carlos Rodriguez

by Nathaniel Mata

#RGVSoccer girls scores and box scores 1.26

Valley HS Girls Soccer Schedule 2018

Friday’s Games

Non-district

Los Fresnos 1, McAllen High 1

Sharyland High 1, Donna North 1

Weslaco High 4, San Benito 1

Edinburg High 5, La Joya Palmview 0 Kingsville King at Raymondville, not reported

District 32-5A

Mercedes 1, Valley View 0

Brownsville Lopez 4, Edcouch-Elsa 1

Brownsville Pace 1, Brownsville Veterans 0

Brownsville Porter 2, Donna High 0

VALLEY HS GIRLS SOCCER BOX SCORES

Friday’s Games

Non-District

EDINBURG HIGH 5, LA JOYA PALMVIEW 0

La Joya Palmview 0 0 — 0

Edinburg High 4 1 — 5

EDINBURG HIGH (5): Debahni Rodriguez 2, Regina Monroy 2, Leah Sanchez 1

RECORD: Edinburg High 10-1-1

SHARYLAND HIGH 1, DONNA NORTH 1

Sharyland High 0 1 — 1

Donna North 0 1 — 1

DONNA NORTH (1): Nancy Espino

SHARYLAND HIGH (1): Xochitl Nguma

by Nathaniel Mata

Close shave: Juarez-Lincoln gets by Sharyland High

BY NATHANIEL MATA | STAFF WRITER

LA JOYA — La Joya Juarez-Lincoln did not execute a perfect first half against Sharyland High. In fact, the visitors might have played a better, more cohesive 40 minutes Friday night at La Joya ISD Stadium.

Fluidity on offense did not turn into goals for Sharyland early, however. Juarez-Lincoln rode an opportunistic first-half advantage and strong play from its senior goaltender en route to a 3-1 win in both teams’ non-district finale.

The battle of two teams that have represented the RGV at the state tournament in Georgetown did not disappoint, even as both teams focused on healthiness with district matches starting Tuesday.

Just over a minute after the game’s starting whistle, Juarez-Lincoln’s Ernesto Salinas was bumped to the turf inside the penalty area. Sergio Escanero converted the penalty kick to effectively give the Huskies the lead from the jump.

“Whenever you score, it really depends who you’re playing — sometimes you need to play defense and protect the advantage you have,” Juarez-Lincoln coach Victor Ramos said. “That’s what we did and we took advantage and scored the second goal.”

The Huskies’ second tally was a demoralizing goal to concede for the Rattlers, who were picking up the intensity as the half developed.

Nicolas Diaz received the ball with a defender closely marking him, but a failed clear gave him a clean breakaway that he kicked home past the Shary keeper.

Juarez-Lincoln goalie Christopher Banda, who was one of only two players on the field to play on the Huskies team that went to the 2017 UIL state tournament, was tested from different angles.

Sharyland forwards Carlos Rodriguez and Andres Ramirez were constant threats, but couldn’t beat Banda during the first half. The goalie had to fully extend to stop each striker on respective chances in the opening 40 minutes.

Rodriguez was the Rattlers’ most dangerous player and it was no surprise that his team kept looking to find his feet when they were building an attack.

Even though Banda had to dive for those saves, he felt he wasn’t challenged unless the Rattlers used their size in the air.

“Sharyland was a really tall team and we have trouble with them, but only on the height,” Banda said. “Most of the game we dominated, and that’s what we’re looking for, dominating all games.”

As the game went on the Rattlers looked to find their duo of defenders, Alejandro Castello and Thierry Macias, both of whom tower over six feet, in the box.

“We know that Sharyland always has a great team,” Ramos said. “Right now, we’re resting some of the kids, so we had three kids out. That, and we still have kids that need more experience, but I think that they played a great game. It was a very exciting game and I’m happy with the result.”

The Rattlers finally saw their hard work turn into a point on the scoreboard just under nine minutes into the second frame.

Felipe Andrade caught a high Huskies boot in the face inside of the penalty area. While both sides had their gripes with “el árbitro” — the head referee — it was hard to argue the contact.

Rodriguez kicked the ball to his left, while Banda dove the opposite direction and Sharyland was on the score sheet.

Considering the play leading up to that point, Sharyland had plenty of time, momentum and ability to level the game, but Juarez-Lincoln hunkered down defensively.

Banda’s next tense moment came with 24:24 to play, when he had to stop Alonso Gonzalez, who couldn’t finish an outnumbered rush.

Sharyland pushed late, but couldn’t find the mark on a free kick outside of the box or a corner kick in the final eight minutes.

The Huskies added a goal as time was running out on a penalty kick with 2 seconds to play to perhaps give an impression of more separation between the two teams.

Sharyland High begins 31-5A play on home turf Tuesday against Juarez-Lincoln’s sister school, La Joya Palmview, which returned to Class 5A following the latest UIL alignment.

The Huskies also get started with a district newcomer on Tuesday, when they host the PSJA North Raiders.

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by Nathaniel Mata

Buye’s boys: McAllen Memorial hopes to build from a playoff season

NATHANIEL MATA | STAFF WRITER

McALLEN — McAllen Memorial senior captain Jesus Rodriguez is not a stranger to the varsity level, even if some of his teammates are slotting into the roster for the first time.

The young man who teammates call ‘Buye’, which comes from a childhood nickname, is playing his fourth varsity season for the Mustangs. It’s the first time he dons the captain’s armband and the first time in his career he’ll be on a defending playoff qualifying team.

“As a freshman, I used to look up to the captains then and I’d see how they would push the team,” Rodriguez said. “Now, being in the position I’m in, I notice that I’m in that role. It’s great to have a big impact on the team. Whatever vibe I give off, they’re going to receive it too.”

In 2018, the Mustangs broke a long playoff drought in their last regular-season game against rival McAllen Rowe. The win on March 23rd was a storybook finish for the Columbia blue.

The Mustangs were five minutes away from being eliminated from postseason play but a late goal by then-senior Leo Saavedra forced overtime, which was enough to keep Memorial’s season alive. The team won in penalty kicks.

Six starters graduated from the playoff team and the returners are working to keep the program’s momentum alive.

“It plays a huge impact just because we know what we’re capable off,” Rodriguez said. “Now we know we’re capable of being a playoff team. Winning that game and making the playoffs was the first time in a while. It was a big confidence booster. We all know we just need to work harder to achieve what we want.”

Fellow senior Francisco Guerrero wears No. 14 and shares the captaincy with Rodriguez. He echoed the importance of reaching the UIL playoffs.

“Honestly, it meant a lot for us,” Guerrero said. “It was our first time after seven years going to a playoff game. It showed us that we can make it and that the team we’ve built up these four years, we came in and we want to do the same thing again. We want to show people we’re not the same team from last year. We’re even stronger than last year and we’re going to reach the same place again.”

So far, so good in 2019 for the playoff-or-bust Mustangs. Memorial reached the knockout stages in both the Mission tournament to kick off the season and in La Copa Frontera, a tournament it co-hosted with Hidalgo.

Memorial has competed against some of the top teams the RGV during non-district play and coach Amandon Bautista said those experiences are valuable for a young group.

“My new seniors, they’ve taken the role very seriously and they took over strongly,” Bautista said. “They lead by example more than anything. Now I believe they have what it takes to go far. They’re still learning. The good part of it is that they don’t think they’re the greatest team. They think they still need to work, which in reality we do. Like I told them ‘I’d rather make mistakes right now and fix them right now so when district comes around we don’t make em again.’”

The road to the playoffs through 30-6A won’t be easy. La Joya Juarez-Lincoln remains the team to beat after consecutive district championships and trips to the regional tournament. Mission High is another district powerhouse. The Eagles won the Copa La Frontera over a strong Donna North unit. Also, La Joya High was a playoff team last season.

Sister campuses McAllen High and McAllen Rowe are both trying to reach the playoffs after missing last year. Not to mention the addition of PSJA North and PSJA High into 30-6A due to UIL realignment.

Still, Rodriguez likes his team’s chances to return.

“At the beginning of the year I knew we were going to do well,” Rodriguez said. “Because even the youngsters here, the sophomores and juniors, have been putting in a lot of work. Now that I see the team together, we’re a lot better than we expected. We’re a hard-working team and we play really well together.”

[email protected]

by Nathaniel Mata

#RGVSoccer girls scores and box scores 1.22

Valley HS Girls Soccer Schedule 2018

Tuesday’s Games

Non-district

McAllen Rowe 3, Laredo Alexander 0

Weslaco East 4, Rio Hondo 0

Harlingen South 4, Weslaco High 0

Edinburg High 4, San Benito 0

Laredo Martin 1, Sharyland High 1

Los Fresnos 3, Brownsville Pace 3

Brownsville Hanna 8, La Feria 1

Edinburg Vela 4, Mission High 0

VALLEY HS GIRLS SOCCER BOX SCORES

Tuesday’s Games

Non-District

EDINBURG HIGH 4, SAN BENITO 0

Edinburg High 1 3 — 4

San Benito 0 0 — 0

EDINBURG HIGH (4): Miriela Munoz, Debanhi Rodriguez, Sarah Garcia, Yendrik Quioz

McALLEN ROWE 3, LAREDO ALEXANDER 0

Laredo Alexander 0 0 — 0

McAllen Rowe 2 1 — 3

McALLEN ROWE (3): Emily Morin, Sabina Sanchez 2

by Nathaniel Mata

#RGVSoccer boys scores 1.22

Valley HS Boys Soccer Schedule 2018

Tuesday’s Games

Brownsville Hanna 1, Sharyland Pioneer 0

Valley View 3, Laredo Alexander 2

Edinburg High 1, La Joya High 1

Edinburg Economedes 3, Harlingen South 1

Los Fresnos 9, Port Isabel 0

Brownsville Pace 2, San Benito 0

Harlingen High at Rio Hondo, not reported

Weslaco IDEA Pike vs. Brownsville IDEA Frontier, not reported

Raymondville at Marine Military Academy, not reported

PSJA North at Weslaco High, not reported

by Nathaniel Mata

Tuned up: Rowe dominates Laredo Alexander

BY NATHANIEL MATA | STAFF WRITER

McALLEN — McAllen Rowe did not want to waste the time it spent on attack versus Laredo Alexander to open the game. On multiple occasions, the Warriors had grade-A scoring opportunities but couldn’t find the mark.

Once the home team broke the dam, however, the floodgates opened and Rowe shut out Laredo Alexander 3-0 in its final non-district game of the year.

Rowe forwards, freshman Esperanza Cantu and sophomore Sabina Sanchez, had numerous looks early but a few too many dribbles put them out of scoring position or allowed a defender to shut the chance down.

Finally, 13:29 into the contest, Laredo Alexander folded under the Warriors constant pressure via a handball inside the penalty area.

Rowe senior attacker Emily Morin stepped up to the penalty spot and gave her team the lead for good.

It was fitting that Morin scored the goal because she was the team’s facilitator. Her through passes created most of the early chances and when she had her chance she finished herself.

“It was good to have that first goal in because it definitely brought momentum within the team,” Morin said. “We finally had more momentum, especially going into the wind.”

The blustery conditions were a factor all evening. In the first half, the Warriors kicked south, into the wind.

Rowe goalie Hethyr Moore’s clearance attempts didn’t get much distance if they were kicked high enough to catch a gust.

Moore was a big piece of Rowe’s dominance by keeping a cool demeanor in net. She was not tested often but she was active in calmly picking up the ball rather than allow an Alexander forward to run into a pass.

The junior keeper’s highlight of the evening was in the first half when Alexander had a free-kick just outside of the area. Aileen Prieto sent a high shot that was postmarked for the top corner but Moore was able to jump up and snag the ball to keep the visitors scoreless.

“It’s really good because we can trust Hethyr on her line and off her line,” senior defender Celeste Narbaez said. “To be able to read free-kicks like that and be able to read where it’s going to go, it really helps us knowing we can trust her.”

The Warriors didn’t give the Bulldogs much space, but when they earned the ball back Rowe was quick to transition on the counterattack.

“It’s important to be the team on attack because we just have to be alert,” Morin said. “We have to be able to switch very fast from defense to offense and again from offense to defense. I think that’s what we do very well as a team, turn that switch so we not only prevent goals but score them as well.”

With 44.4 ticks left in the first half Sabina Sanchez gave Rowe the cushion that their play warranted. After the pass from Ilse Zecca, Sanchez dribbled around Alexander’s goalie, took one more touch around the last defender before shooting into the empty net.

Sanchez scored less than five minutes into the second half on a one-time flick to cap the night on offense.

Zecca, one of four seniors on the team, explained that possession is key but so is the quality of the touches.

“It’s about possession but it’s more like communicating, looking up to pass,” Zecca said. “Not get…cocky with the ball. Every once and a while we play with the ball and lose it but it’s more important to play as a team and not as an individual.”

In the final 15 minutes, the Rowe backline was finally tested for a sustained amount of time. The quarter of Jewel Palomo, Celeste Narbaez, Emma Viehland, Hannah Sanchez.

Palomo and Narbaez were comfortable putting their bodies in harm’s way, blocking a few hard shots to keep the ball from getting close to the net.

“It’s good for us because we step up knowing that they can still score at any time,” senior defender Celeste Narbaez said. “We need to stay together, stay strong and not let any let-ups because any small mistake can be in the goal.”

The Warriors will have a whole week to prepare for their first district game and it’s a big one. Rowe faces defending UIL Region IV Champions McAllen High in the mutual District 30-6A opener.

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