By ROY HESS | Staff Writer

Samantha Valdez and her soccer coach at Lopez readily agree, she’s quite a fierce player on the field.

“Fearless, hungry, aggressive — she has an objective (to win), and she’s out to conquer it,” Lady Lobos coach Alex Macias said about his standout junior, who is The Brownsville Herald’s All-Metro Utility Player of the Year for girls soccer.

Valdez is intent upon playing with a determined, never-back-off mentality.

“Yes, that’s the way I want to play,” she said. “I’m always wanting to do more than what’s expected. I always try to be hungry for more — that’s me.”

Valdez played a variety of positions for the Lady Lobos, who advanced two rounds in the playoffs this season. The Lady Lobos’ playoff run included a 2-0 bi-district triumph at home against a highly regarded Sharyland High team. Along with playing defense and in the midfield, Valdez played a lot at forward. She was always battling to win the ball with her all-out play.

“We’ve grown so much as a team,” said Valdez, who has played on the varsity since she was a freshman. “The team has helped me a lot. It’s amazing and it’s a great opportunity. It’s helped me grow as a player and as a person.

“We’re a young team,” she added. “After what we did this season, we just want to do more next year. It was a big task for the team to get to the second round this year, but we worked hard and we were able to do it. Next year we just expect more.”

Valdez was named the All-District 32-5A Utility Player of the Year, too.

“(Winning these awards) is huge,” Valdez said. “I appreciate this program very much. The accomplishments I’ve had, I wouldn’t be able to do it without Coach Macias because he’s been a huge part of my career in soccer.”

The Lady Lobos’ standout junior said she is motivated for her senior year of soccer.

“I want to keep playing (hard),” Valdez said. “I want to play college ball. I’m passionate about soccer, so these awards are motivation to keep going.

“I thank my family because they give me a lot of support,” she added. “I wouldn’t be able to do it without them. Also, RIP to my coach that passed away, Adam Castaneda. He was a big part of this. He’s also been my motivation to keep going. May he rest in peace.”

By ROY HESS | Staff Writer

The Pace Lady Vikings are reaping the rewards of another successful soccer season.

Capturing back-to-back District 32-5A championships was a first for the program in 2019.

As a result, some of the top awards on The Brownsville Herald’s All-Metro Team for girls soccer are going to the Lady Vikings.

Jesus O. Villarreal is the coach of the year, Alexis Guajardo is the offensive player of the year and Marcela “Marcy” Garza is the MVP.

The Pace girls went 23-9-3 this season and won 32-5A with an 11-3 record after taking the district title with a 14-0 mark in 2018. The Lady Vikings advanced two rounds in the playoffs this year before bowing out of the postseason with a 3-2 overtime loss to Corpus Christi Flour Bluff.

Guajardo, a senior forward-midfielder, proved to be a worthy choice as offensive player of the year. She scored 37 goals on the season and ended with 101 for her four-year Pace career. She’s continuing her soccer career next school year at Southwestern University in Georgetown.

“It’s been an extremely special opportunity to be part of this team,” Guajardo said. “Every year we’ve grown more together. We’ve built a culture of unity by always trying to support each other, and it’s made our team stronger on and off the field. Our camaraderie is really important.

“I tried to bring hustle and a strong work ethic (to the team),” she added. “Those were the main things I tried to stress to the girls. I wanted us to go out on the field and give it our all. With the risk of injury, it’s never promised that you’ll have another game.”

Guajardo also earned the offensive player of the year award in 32-5A.

“It’s really exciting because every year I’ve always wanted to go out and score as many goals as possible,” she said. “Scoring and running back to your teammates to celebrate is always fun. (Doing that) you know you’ve contributed to the team in a positive way.”

Guajardo said having Villarreal as coach has meant a lot to the team.

“He always listens to us and makes sure he hears our point of view,” Guajardo said. “We respect him for that. (It’s) just the fact that he knows where we’re coming from as players and he takes that into account when he’s coaching us. That’s really important to us as players.”

Villarreal was a strong candidate for the All-Metro coaching award last season. Now he’s truly appreciating the award and credits his players for the level of success the Pace girls are now experiencing. He was also the coach of the year in 32-5A this season.

“For me, first of all, one of the most important parts (of our success) has been just doing my part by working hard,” the Lady Vikings coach said. “I try to analyze and distinguish what we should do because I’m a very analytical person. I’ve tried to bring the best out of the players. That’s what is important to me.

“If I haven’t received the award before, it’s because there are good coaches out there that have done the job as well,” he added. “If this is my year, that’s great. It’s one more recognition for Pace as a whole, and for my own personal record, too.

“Being named coach of the year in 32-5A brings me a lot of satisfaction overall because it’s a tough district and it hasn’t been easy. There are a lot of great coaches and players out there right now.”

By ROY HESS | Staff Writer

Just when they needed her, Denisse Romero showed up as a freshman to play soccer for the Porter Cowgirls.

After the 2018 season, the Cowgirls graduated a proven scorer in Priscila Cortinas, who is now playing in college. During Porter’s 2019 season, Romero, a midfielder, took over Cortinas’ role as a go-to scorer.

Romero immediately made an impact with 19 goals in leading the Cowgirls of District 32-5A to the playoffs for the fourth straight year.

She is The Brownsville Herald’s All-Metro Newcomer of the Year for girls soccer.

“I’m very happy to be a member of the team at Porter,” Romero said. “We’re a very united team.

“We expected better results (in the playoffs after being eliminated in the first round), but we have to work hard in preparation for next season to have better results,” she added. “We’re already anxious for the next season to begin. We want to go farther (in the playoffs).”

Romero was named newcomer of the year on the All-District 32-5A team as well.

“One of the things that surprised me was how much talent she has because she’s only 14 years old,” Cowgirls coach Abraham Gracia said. “She’s already playing as well or better than some of our seniors.

“As a player, she is very important in our program,” the coach added. “She is a very committed and hard-working player for us. Even though she’s one of our most talented players at the moment, she sets the example by working hard and going all out in all of our practices and games.”

There could be more awards in her future while playing for Porter. But for the moment, Romero appreciates the honors she has received as a freshman.

“I’m very content,” Romero said. “To receive awards like I’m receiving means I’ve tried to do my best, and it’s like a reward. I’m very grateful.

“We have a great coach in Coach Gracia, and he’s always trying to help us in every game,” she added. “We want to go far (in the playoffs next season). With God’s help, we will.”

By ROY HESS | Staff Writer

Offense may win games, but playing solid defense is what wins championships on the soccer field and elsewhere in the sports world.

Los Fresnos senior defender Allison Spier lives her life as a soccer player with that mindset while playing the game. It’s an approach that works quite well for her, and for her team, which has captured District 32-6A championships during each of the past three seasons.

Spier has been a strong presence on the field for the Lady Falcons during each of her four seasons on the varsity. After soon graduating from Los Fresnos, she’ll be headed to Adelphi University in New York to play for the NCAA Division II Panthers and study nursing.

Before that all transpires, Spier can sit back and enjoy her selection as The Brownsville Herald’s All-Metro Defensive Player of the Year for girls soccer. It’s the same All-Metro award she won as a junior.

The standout defender and skilled ball-handler will certainly be missed when next season comes around.

“Allison has contributed to the success of the Los Fresnos soccer program,” said new Lady Falcons coach Diego Luna, who has replaced Patricia K. Hernandez as coach after serving as her assistant. “Her leadership, integrity, knowledge of the game and respect for people that surround her has made her a role model for other players.

“The team will miss her presence on and off the field,” Luna added. “But I truly believe that Allison has left an imprint on this program, and her attributes have been passed along to our seniors and juniors (of next school year).”

Spier says she will treasure her memories of playing for the Lady Falcons.

“Honestly, with the girls and the coaches here, it’s been a complete blessing,” Spier said of her past four seasons of soccer at the high school level. “Everything has been great. It’s helped me come as far as I have as I get ready for college.

“I’m excited about the opportunities I have ahead of me,” she added. “I have the girls here, the team and these coaches to thank for that. We’re a team, and we’re always correcting each other. Ultimately, I think that has helped me get better, become a confident player and be a leader on the field. These girls helped me come out of my shell and find that passion to be a leader and influencer on the field.”

Spier was chosen one of three overall MVPs this season on the All-District 32-6A team.

“It’s really nice to receive these (All-Metro and all-district) awards,” she said. “It’s a blessing. I believe it shows my hard work has paid off. I’m just thankful for everybody who has helped me along the way.”

By ROY HESS | Staff Writer

Marcela “Marcy” Garza became the MVP-caliber player the Pace Lady Vikings needed to win another District 32-5A championship.

The standout senior center midfielder who facilitated much of her team’s offensive success with creativity, assists and well-placed passes is The Brownsville Herald’s All-Metro MVP in girls soccer for 2019.

She won the same award in 32-5A this season as the district’s coaches recognized her talents on the field in helping the Lady Vikings go 23-9-3 overall and 11-3 in district play. The Pace girls were back-to-back 32-5A champions for the first time in school history in their sport.

Pace’s Jesus O. Villarreal, the All-Metro Coach of the Year, said selecting Garza as the MVP was a wise choice.

“Marcy did a tremendous job, and even last year as well,” Villarreal said. “She was practically the pillar, or one of the pillars, of the team. She served as the bridge between the defense and the offense. If that bridge broke, we would not have had that connection and that communication between our offense and defense.

“In general, that’s Marcy,” he added. “It’s her personality. She’s that hustling player in between the lines that helps on top (offensively) and helps on the bottom (defensively). She will get you out of trouble (on the defensive end) and start something (offensively).

“Many times we would finish the plays (and score) when the ball passed through Marcy. That’s how important she was to the team.”

Garza recently signed to play her sport next school year at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, so her soccer career is far from over.

“I was actually very surprised (my senior season brought these awards),” Garza said. “It’s been better than I could ever imagine it would be. Since I was young, I dreamed of playing in high school and in college. I never imagined it would go by this quickly. I’m very honored, blessed and humbled to receive these awards. I’m looking forward to seeing where all this will take me.

“I enjoy just being that rock and that backbone for the team,” she added. “My teammates know they can count on me defensively, and when we’re wanting to attack (offensively) into that final third (of the field). I love sacrificing for my team and just giving it what I have. It’s like everything is there and open in the midfield. It’s like home to me. I just enjoy that pressure and also that freedom (to make something happen).”

Teammate Alexis Guajardo, the All-Metro Offensive Player of the Year with 37 goals this season and 101 for her high school career, said Garza is an amazing player.

“Marcy may be quiet and little, but people should never underestimate her,” Guajardo said. “She may not have height, but she’s ferocious on the field. Marcy’s a heck of a player, and I’m lucky I got the opportunity to play with her.”

Kryssie Rivera, a former teammate now playing at UTRGV, won All-Metro MVP honors for the Lady Vikings last season.

“I’m very excited and very humbled to be following Kryssie,” Garza said. “From a young age, Kryssie and I grew up together (playing soccer). I’ll never forget when she gave me her captain’s badge last year and told me it was my turn (to be a leader for the team).”

Along with God, Garza thanks her parents, Greg and Jessica Alaniz Nieto, her family, her coaches, her teammates and her friends for all their support.

“Receiving this (All-Metro MVP) award, I feel like I’m making my family proud and my team proud,” Garza said. “I’m just very humbled and blessed. Brownsville is definitely my home (after living elsewhere). I can’t thank soccer enough for taking me to see many places.

“I know it won’t be easy over there at UTRGV, but I’m ready for the challenge,” she added.

By ROY HESS | Staff Writer

BEEVILLE — The Rio Hondo Lady Bobcats simply ran out of outs in their softball season Saturday in Beeville.

After winning Game 1 of a Class 4A regional semifinal best-of-three series 5-2 against Fredericksburg on Friday in Three Rivers, the Lady Bobcats suffered back-to-back losses Saturday in Beeville, 11-0 in five innings and 4-2. Saturday’s wins enabled the District 28-4A champion Lady Billies (33-9) to advance to the coming week’s 4A regional final against District 30-4A champion Geronimo Navarro (34-8).

District 32-4A champion Rio Hondo, which captured its sixth straight 32-4A crown in 2019, ended its season at 27-13-1, having advanced four rounds in the playoffs. The Lady Bobcats were trying to reach the regional final for the second time in three seasons, but it wasn’t meant to be.

“We couldn’t be any prouder of our girls and the season we had,” Lady Bobcats coach Brett Esparza said. “The season wasn’t made in one game, so we don’t take the final loss to really speak for our season. We had a season full of dramatic moments and memorable moments that the girls will hold on to forever.

“We’re proudest of the fact that these girls played for the community,” he added. “They played with pride, and they played together.”

The Lady Bobcats had bases loaded during the top of the first and fifth innings of Saturday’s opening game, but could not come up with a play to bring in a run in their 11-0 setback.

Meanwhile, Fredericksburg didn’t waste any time in scoring one run during the bottom of each of the first three innings to build a 3-0 advantage. They added four runs during the bottom of the fourth and four more during the fifth to win 11-0 via the 10-run rule.

Highlighting the Lady Billies’ offensive eruption to open the day Saturday were a three-run homer by Karlee Reyes during the fourth and a three-run homer by Ashlyn Weinheimer during the fifth. Weinheimer’s shot over the outfield wall came with two outs and the score at 8-0. It ended the contest early and sent the series to a deciding third game.

“They got on us early in the first game today, and we couldn’t respond,” Esparza said. “They kept us off-balance, and we were off flat. They struck first blood. We settled down and came out well in the deciding game with a fresh approach.

“We stranded nine runners in that third game,” Esparza added. “You get even half those runs and it’s a different story. But that’s the nature of the beast. This game will break your heart.

“My heart goes out to our girls because they played their behinds off all season long. They really believed in each other and really believed in the program. I know it hurts right now, but we couldn’t be prouder.”

During the final game of the day, the Lady Bobcats went up 1-0 during the bottom of the first on a sacrifice play by Kayla Castaneda that brought home Savannah Gonzalez from third. Fredericksburg tied it at 1 during the top of the second on a solo homer by Reyes over the center-field wall.

An RBI double by Fredericksburg’s Weinheimer during the top of the third made it 2-1. An RBI single by Rio Hondo’s Dominique De Jesus during the bottom of the inning tied the score at 2.

The Lady Billies had success bunting the ball most of the day. A sacrifice bunt by leadoff batter Madi Finley during the top of the fourth made it 3-2 for Fredericksburg. It became 4-2 on Kate Wenzel’s RBI bunt single during the top of the seventh.

“This feels awesome,” Fredericksburg coach Melissa Hall said. “We came in with one plan in mind to win two, and we got the job done. It was huge having the momentum we had from Game 2 going into the third game. We just fought through once we got to Game 3.

“I think we had some key people step up today,” Hall added. “Emery Boettcher pitched pretty much both games, and she’s a senior, so it was great for something like that to happen for her in her final season.”

Erika Cortez pitched her heart out for the Lady Bobcats, throwing all but a couple innings on the day.

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — As a three-year starter at second base for the Harlingen South baseball team, Armando Martinez Jr. handled virtually every ball hit to him.

He boasted a .947 fielding percentage, and as a senior this season helped lead the Hawks back to the playoffs for the first time in five years. At the plate this season, he batted .273 with a .422 on-base percentage as a switch hitter. He helped his team generate offense by drawing 13 walks.

Having completed a stellar baseball career at South, Martinez is getting a chance to showcase his skills on the diamond at the next level. On Friday at the South library, Martinez signed an athletic scholarship agreement to play his sport next school year for the University of Houston Downtown Gators, a college baseball program that is just becoming established.

The Gators compete at the NCBA Division II level. They had their best season this spring by going 17-8 with a No. 14 national ranking.

Martinez is projected as a shortstop or second baseman in college.

“This day means a lot, especially for my parents to see that I’m getting an awesome chance to work for a college degree (on scholarship), and also that I can show my talents to people in other parts of Texas (playing college ball),” said Martinez, who plans to pursue a business degree in college. “It’s going to be a great thing.”

Martinez’s parents are Armando Sr. and Esmeralda Martinez. The were on hand Friday for the signing along with additional family members, teammates, coaches, teachers and other school administrators. It was a celebratory atmosphere for everyone present.

“Mando really has done a great job at second base for us, and he’s helped put South back on the map (in baseball),” South coach Chris Gracia said. “We’re super proud of him and also excited because this is the dream for almost all of our guys that play. They dream of playing at the next level, and to be able to see one of our guys do it, it’s something that makes you proud as a coach and makes you happy for him.

“Mando is a very smart baserunner and has that situational awareness,” Gracia added. “He brought a lot of experience to our team, and he really stepped up for us. It’s going to be hard to replace all that experience. He is kind of a quiet guy who is a leader for the team by example.

“We just wish him the best at the next level. With the hard work he puts in, I know he’s going to do well. Hopefully he’s the first of many baseball signees for us.”

Martinez, who started playing baseball around age 5, is leaving behind some great memories of playing for the Hawks.

“It’s a big deal (playing for South),” he said. “I was always thinking of playing for the Hawks when I was younger, and then to do it and play for the team three years as a starter, it’s been the best thing ever. It’s been a lot of fun with all the joy that I had (playing the game) as a kid.

“Now I’m looking forward to going over to Houston,” he added. “Once the baseball season starts it’ll be fine, and the Astros are over there, too.”

By ROY HESS | Staff Writer

The Pace Lady Vikings figured prominently in helping the West team win Tuesday’s girls all-star soccer game at Hanna.

The event was presented by the Brownsville Futbol website with free admission. It attracted a near-capacity crowd in the stands, with many others standing along the fence.

It was an all-Brownsville competition for seniors with Rivera, Porter and Lopez comprising the East team. The West squad was comprised of players from Brownsville Veterans Memorial, Hanna and Pace.

It was a sweep for the West teams as the West boys won the nightcap 1-0.

The girls match went to penalty kicks tied at 1 after 70 minutes of regulation.

Once in PKs, West goalkeeper Valeria Perez of Hanna stopped the first attempt by the East. Each team had three players taking penalties, and the West ended up winning the PKs 3-2 to take the match by an official score of 2-1.

Pace’s Marcy Garza scored the game-winning PK for the West. She soft-touched her shot into the left corner of the net to make it 3-2.

“I knew where I wanted to place my shot,” said Garza, who has signed to play soccer at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. “There was a lot of pressure on that last PK try because it determined whether we would win or the PKs would keep going. I wanted to do the best that I could.”

Pace’s Alexis Guajardo, who gave the West a 1-0 lead 14 minutes into the match on a close-range goal, also scored her team’s first goal in PKs. She was named the game’s MVP.

“It was super fun to play in this game, especially since a lot of us have known each other a long time and played together before,” said Guajardo, who has signed to play soccer at Southwestern University. “To have this game and have all the (senior) soccer girls of Brownsville together, it was really fun.”

Brownsville Veterans’ Hannah Obregon also converted a PK for the West.

“Honestly, it felt really great (to score),” Obregon said. “I was playing with some girls that I had played with in an outside league before, so it felt very good. I was proud that they had my back, and they were cheering for me when I made that PK.”

Angelina Castillo scored for the East on a slow roller to even the match at 1 nine minutes into the second half after the West led 1-0 at halftime.

Scoring for the East during the PKs were Porter’s Quetzali Cortez and Lopez’s Corina Garcia.

The boys match appeared to be headed to PKs as well. But Hanna’s Kevin Ochoa came up with a crossing shot from the right side that found the mark with 16 minutes remaining to lift the West.

“I was just thinking about scoring and giving my team the win,” Ochoa said of his game-winning shot that carried past the goalkeeper, whose arms were outstretched trying to stop the ball. “It was a great experience playing in this game. We tried to give everyone a good show.

“This feels good (to win),” he added. “All the team worked hard, and I feel we deserve it. I thank all the people who came to support us. This is our last high school game, and we appreciate all the support for Brownsville ISD.”

It was an intense match as the East boys had a player red-carded.

The organizers hope to make the all-star games an annual event.

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

The Los Fresnos Lady Falcons won their third District 32-6A championship under coach Patricia K. Hernandez during the 2019 soccer season.

Leading the way for the Lady Falcons was senior defender Allison Spier, one of three players to share MVP honors on the All-District 32-6A team.

The other two MVP selections from 32-6A this season were Hanna forward Sytlaly Loyde and Harlingen South forward/midfielder/defender Mellory Grannum, also a senior.

Hanna’s Valeria Perez was named the district’s goalkeeper of the year. Hanna teammate Kristy Herrera shared newcomer of the year honors with South’s Sarah Grace Garza.

South teammates Alise Garza and Jackie Guillen were named the district’s offensive player of the year and defensive player of the year, respectively.

San Benito’s Janie Castellanos was chosen the district’s utility player of the year.

Los Fresnos (9-1, 26 points) edged South (8-2, 25 points) for the 32-6A championship. Hanna finished third, and Harlingen High was fourth.

Hernandez has coached the Lady Falcons to the 32-6A title during each of the past three seasons. During her first year as the Los Fresnos coach in 2016, the Lady Falcons shared second place in district with South.

Hernandez said she is stepping down as coach to pursue a master’s degree. She is being replaced by Diego Luna, her assistant.

Meanwhile, there are quite a few top honorees from Brownsville on the All-District 32-5A team.

The Pace Lady Vikings repeated as the 32-5A champions this season. They won district this season thanks to an 11-3 record with 34 points. The Lady Vikings advanced two rounds in the Class 5A playoffs and finished with a 23-9-3 overall record.

Pace’s Marcela “Marcy” Garza was chosen the district’s MVP. Teammate Alexis Guajardo was named the offensive player of the year. Edcouch-Elsa’s Jada De Los Santos earned the defensive player of the year award.

Pace’s Jesus O. Villarreal received the district’s coach of the year award.

Other top all-district honorees from Brownsville in 32-5A included Porter’s Denisse Romero (newcomer of the year), Lopez’s Samantha Valdez (utility player of the year) and Karyme Lozano of Brownsville Veterans Memorial (goalkeeper of the year).

For the District 32-4A girls, the La Feria Lionettes were among the top recipients of all-district honors.

La Feria captured the 32-4A championship with a 14-0 record. The Lionettes advanced two rounds in the Class 4A playoffs, finishing with a 22-7-1 overall record.

The girls All-District 32-4A selections saw La Feria’s Joscelyn Lizcano named most valuable offensive player. Lyford’s Cecilia Lopez and Port Isabel’s Celia Polsky shared the district’s honor as most valuable defensive player.

The 32-4A newcomer of the year award went to Lyford’s Aleyna Frias.

Lyford was the runner-up to La Feria in the 32-4A girls race. Port Isabel finished third, and Rio Hondo was fourth.

Cameron/Willacy County Girls Soccer All-District Lists

District 32-6A

MVPs: Mellory Grannum, Harlingen South; Allison Spier, Los Fresnos; Sytlaly Loyde, Brownsville Hanna

Offensive Player of the Year: Alise Garza, Harlingen South

Defensive Player of the Year: Jackie Guillen, Harlingen South

Goalkeeper of the Year: Valeria Perez, Brownsville Hanna

Utility Player of the Year: Janie Castellanos, San Benito

Newcomers of the Year: Sarah Grace Garza, Harlingen South; Kristy Herrera, Brownsville Hanna

First Team

Forwards: Caroline Grannum, Harlingen South; Hilary Pina, Brownsville Hanna

Midfielders: Stephanie Torres, Harlingen South; Guadalupe Castellanos, San Benito; Briana Garza, Harlingen High; Pamela Prado, Brownsville Hanna

Defenders: Korynne Reininger, Harlingen South; Joann Saldana, Harlingen South; Angelina Castillo, Brownsville Hanna; Aliyah Castillo, Brownsville Hanna

Goalkeeper: Reid Davis, Harlingen South

Second Team

Forwards: Kaylani Vasquez, Harlingen High; Itzel Bochas, Los Fresnos

Midfielders: Sandra Lopez, Harlingen South; Adelynn Herrera, Harlingen High; Yadira Maldonado, Los Fresnos

Defenders: Serena Escobar, Harlingen High; Evelyn Richarte, San Benito; Mindy Perez, Los Fresnos

Goalkeeper: Sabrina Hinojosa, Los Fresnos

Honorable Mention

Forwards: Lauren Powell, Harlingen High; Monique Rodriguez, Harlingen High; Lorena Barron, San Benito; Hailey Pena, Brownsville Rivera

Midfielders: Olivia Olivarez, Harlingen South; Ana Perez, Brownsville Rivera; Denise Hernandez, San Benito; Paola Martinez, San Benito; Isabel Ortiz, Brownsville Hanna; Briana Gracia, Los Fresnos

Defenders: Bianca Martinez, Harlingen South; Carissa Escamilla, Harlingen High; Aaliyan Torres, Harlingen High; Malen Mendieta, Brownsville Rivera; Sara Garza, Los Fresnos; Natalia Cavillo, Los Fresnos

Goalkeepers: Olivia Lopez, Harlingen High; Abigail Mata, Brownsville Hanna

Other Honorable Mentions

Elizabeth Garza, Los Fresnos; Alondra Lopez, Los Fresnos; Arcelia Gonzalez, Brownsville Rivera; Yianey Diaz, Brownsville Rivera; Shannon Perez, Brownsville Hanna; Alyssa Perez, Brownsville Hanna; Gillian Cespedes, Harlingen High; Jacqueline Vargas, Harlingen High; Vanessa Alcala, San Benito; Natalia Martinez, San Benito; Sarah Perez, Harlingen South; Lilian Villarreal, Harlingen South

District 32-5A

MVP: Marcela Garza, Brownsville Pace

Offensive Player of the Year: Alexis Guajardo, Brownsville Pace

Defensive Player of the Year: Jada De Los Santos, Edcouch-Elsa

Newcomer of the Year: Denisse Romero, Brownsville Porter

Utility Player of the Year: Samantha Valdez, Brownsville Lopez

Goalkeeper of the Year: Karyme Lozano, Brownsville Veterans

Coach of the Year: Jesus O. Villarreal, Brownsville Pace

First Team (positions not provided)

Myrka Garcia, Brownsville Lopez; Corina Garcia, Brownsville Lopez; Zayra Esquivel, Brownsville Lopez; Jovana Rodriguez, Brownsville Pace; Paloma Zamora, Brownsville Pace; Kenia Galvan, Brownsville Pace; Jennifer Oliveira, Brownsville Pace; Arianna Garcia, Brownsville Pace; Jackie Garcia, Edcouch-Elsa; Meagan Acevedo, Edcouch-Elsa; Jackie Reyes, Edcouch-Elsa; Teresa Gallegos, Edcouch-Elsa; Quetzali Cortez, Brownsville Porter; Roxanna Miranda, Brownsville Porter; Marina Rios, Brownsville Porter; Hannah Obregon, Brownsville Veterans; Ania Laguna, Brownsville Veterans; Andrea Hurtado, Brownsville Veterans; Vivian Esparza, Donna High; Madalyn Park, Donna High; Soledad Cruz, Mercedes; Daniela Abundis, Mercedes; Yahaira Gonzalez, Valley View; Alexa Amaro, Valley View

Second Team (positions not provided)

Adamaris Rangel, Brownsville Lopez; Kenya Gonzalez, Brownsville Lopez; Grecia Quinones, Brownsville Lopez; Pily Martin, Brownsville Pace; Viviana Lucio, Brownsville Pace; Vanessa Lara, Brownsville Pace; Jamie SIlva, Brownsville Pace; Vianca Sandoval, Brownsville Pace; Sarah Flores, Edcouch-Elsa; Vanessa Cerda, Edcouch-Elsa; Arissa Cavazos, Edcouch-Elsa; Karen Castillo, Edcouch-Elsa; Jazmine Reyna, Brownsville Porter; Sofia Contreras, Brownsville Porter; Jacqueline Gonzalez, Brownsville Porter; Kennidy Rudd, Brownsville Veterans; Lauren Averyt, Brownsville Veterans; Viviana Gutierrez, Brownsville Veterans; America Lara, Donna High; Samantha Contreras, Donna High; Juany Aguilar, Mercedes; Gladys Gonzalez, Mercedes; Jacinda Pastran, Valley View; Valeria Gonzalez, Valley View

Honorable Mention (positions not provided)

Tiffany Matambu, Brownsville Lopez; Kenia Quinones, Brownsville Lopez; Marcela Trevino, Brownsville Pace; Ana Medina, Brownsville Pace; Marissa Rangel, Edcouch-Elsa; Naudya Coleman, Edcouch-Elsa; Ana Meza, Brownsville Porter; Janie Gutierrez, Brownsville Porter; Leslie Mendez, Brownsville Veterans; Camila Trevino, Brownsville Veterans; Kassandra Garza, Donna High; Delahila Mirels, Donna High; Leslie Garcia, Mercedes; Daimara Zamora, Mercedes; Frida Cuadros, Valley View; Arely Lopez, Valley View

District 32-4A

Most Valuable Offensive Player: Joscelyn Lizcano, La Feria

Most Valuable Defensive Players: Cecilia Lopez, Lyford; Celia Polsky, Port Isabel

Newcomer of the Year: Aleyna Frias, Lyford

First Team

Goalkeeper: Kaylen Chapa, La Feria

Forwards: Odalys De La Fuente, La Feria; Lesly Perez, Monte Alto; Emma Lopez, Raymondville; Jerrica Quinones, Rio Hondo

Midfielders: Lezitte Perez, La Feria; Danielle Champine, Lyford; Neftaly Torres, Port Isabel; Averie Macias, Rio Hondo

Defenders: Kaitlyn Longoria, La Feria; Cassandra Frias, Lyford; Stephanie Ortiz, Port Isabel; Vanessa Villanueva, Rio Hondo

Second Team

Goalkeeper: Aurora Salinas, Lyford

Forwards: Jennifer Guerrero, IDEA Riverview; Eliana Figueroa, Lyford; Katherine Loredo, Lyford; Juliann Hernandez, Port Isabel; Asa Ramos, Raymondville

Midfielders: Jovana Moreno, IDEA Frontier; Jiovanna Ochoa, La Feria; Anahi Castillo, Monte Alto; Celeste Valdez, Raymondville

Defenders: Maria Rodriguez, IDEA Frontier; Natalie Gonzalez, La Feria; Alexa Gonzales, Port Isabel; Veronica Martinez, Raymondville

Honorable Mention

Goalkeepers: Devine Soto, IDEA Frontier; Nicole Pelt, Port Isabel; Carla Bocanegra, Raymondville

Forwards: Jennifer Leal, La Feria; Rachel Medrano, Monte Alto; Sabrina Gonzalez, Port Isabel

Midfielders: Grecia Hernandez, IDEA Riverview; Lluvia Arellano, IDEA Riverview; Benilde Adriano, Lyford; Samantha Sanchez, Monte Alto; Valeria Gonzalez, Port Isabel; Amelia Gonzalez, Raymondville; Julie Del Bosque, Rio Hondo; Jasmine Rangel, Rio Hondo

Defenders: Dania Leal, La Feria; Reyna Vasquez, La Feria; Daija Valdez, Lyford; Andrea Alaniz, Lyford; Emily Gomez, Monte Alto; Juliete Jimenez, Monte Alto; Mellaky Varela, Port Isabel; Myranda Martinez, Raymondville; Gabriela Sanchez, Raymondville; Paloma Murillo, Rio Hondo

Other Honorable Mentions

Danielle Champine, Lyford; Arianna Barrogan, Lyford; Emilia Cavazos, Lyford; Kayla Castillo, Lyford; Lesly Perez, Monte Alto; Valeria Alaniz, Monte Alto; Ayanna Rangel, Monte Alto; Veronica Martinez, Raymondville; Yaritza Cardenas, Raymondville; Juanita Perez, Raymondville; Vanessa Villanueva, Rio Hondo; Chasity Villarreal, Rio Hondo; Yerathzi Montalvo, Rio Hondo; Ayisha Andrews, Rio Hondo; Taylor Garza, La Feria; Misrrain Granado, La Feria; Aaliyah Myhand, La Feria; Karla Aviles, La Feria; Natalia Cisneros, La Feria; Shalya Ochoa, Port Isabel; Ana Elizondo, Port Isabel; Carlo Alonso, Port Isabel

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

It’s actually a pretty good idea.

For years, many have bragged about the abundance of high school soccer talent in Brownsville.

With that thought in mind, the city is getting its own all-star event for boys and girls players who are seniors.

The girls-boys doubleheader is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. today at Hanna with a girls game, followed by the boys match at approximately 8 p.m. Admission is free.

Brownsville’s Class 6A and 5A high schools are divided into teams matching the East (Rivera, Lopez and Porter) vs. the West (Brownsville Veterans Memorial, Hanna and Pace).

George Green and Eduardo Sanchez of the Brownsville Futbol website came up with the idea to stage an “all-Brownsville” soccer competition to honor each of the participating seniors.

The idea has been well-received.

“The response has been really good,’ said Sanchez, a local businessman who also referees soccer games. “All the Brownsville coaches are very interested. George and I came up with the idea, and told the coaches about it. They love it, and now we’re talking about doing it every year from now on.”

The coaches say it is a fitting tribute to their seniors.

“I’m glad George and Eduardo are giving our seniors one last chance to play in a high school game,” Lopez Lobos coach Amadeo Escandon said. “These seniors have been representing our schools for the past four years, and this last game is a nice way of acknowledging their commitment to our Brownsville ISD.”

Among those scheduled to play for the East boys squad are Rivera’s Totti Morales, J.P. Garza, Joaquin Hernandez, Alex Mendez and Alex Villanueva. Rounding out the East squad from Porter are Oscar Garica, Agustin Pizano, Alex Prado and Edward Rodriguez. From Lopez, there’s Andrew Flores, Alan Reyes, Raudel Ramirez and Daniel Casanova.

The West boys team includes Brownsville Veterans’ Moises Navarro, Gary Valle, Israel Barron, Frankie Moreno II, Juan Amieva, Orlando Sanchez and Diego Bernal. Also playing for the West are Pace’s Raul Mendoza, Ian Perez, Antonio Gutierrez, Jonathan Martin and Gabriel Gracia. Rounding out the West boys team from Hanna are Kevin Ochoa, Hector Quintero, Miguel Payan, Aldo Gonzalez and Ricardo Sandate.

The West girls team includes Pace’s Alexa Urbina, Jovana Rodriguez, Vanessa Lara, Marcy Garza, Jennifer Oliveira, Alexis Guajardo, Marcela Trevino and Ari Garcia. Their teammates from Hanna will be Sytlaly Loyde, Hilary Pina, Carla Ruiz, Daniela Arellano, Abigail Mata, Angelina Castillo, Valeria Perez and Nadia Sifuentes.

The girls playing on the East squad from Rivera include Marlen Mendieta, Arcelia Gonzalez, Ana Perez, Alyssa Ayala, Alexis Sayas, Myrka Guevara, Michelle Rodriguez, Itzell Ramos and Hailey Pena. Their teammates from Lopez will be Myrka Garcia, Corina Garcia, Maria Gayosso and Kaylee Garcia. Also for the West girls, it’s Porter’s Quetzali Cortez, Roxanna Miranda, Sofia Contreras, Ana Meza, Kassandra Demetrio and Josie Torres.