By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

Winning state championships in soccer will always be a great source of pride for Brownsville.

Proof of that was obvious Thursday as the Porter Nation packed the school gym to honor the Cowboys, 2016 Class 5A state champions who finished with a 28-0-1 record. City officials and Brownsville ISD administrators were also in attendance along with a number of parents.

Porter won its second UIL state title in soccer last April 16 in Georgetown by defeating highly regarded and previously undefeated Frisco Wakeland 3-2 (10-9 penalty kicks). Porter captured its first 5A state crown in 2006. No other Rio Grande Valley school has won more than one UIL state title in a team sport.

Before a full house Thursday, the Porter band played lively, spirited melodies while students and staff members offered heartfelt cheers as the Cowboy players, coaches and additional team personnel were presented championship rings, letterman jackets and framed copies of a letter of congratulations from President Obama.

The letter was read to the audience by Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville, and in part said, “Your achievement reflects the importance of joining together in a common purpose to reach a goal … I trust that you will always hold on to the dedication that has brought you this far. I know the lessons you have learned will continue to guide you both on and off the field … congratulations, I wish you the best, Barack Obama.”

Several players who graduated last June came home from college on fairly short notice for the ceremony, saying there was no way they wanted to miss it.

Two of them, Alexis Anzures and Uriel Sepulveda, now play soccer at Wiley College in Marshall. They boarded a bus Wednesday evening and traveled 11 hours to make it back to Brownsville in time for the event. After Thursday’s ceremony, they quickly boarded the bus again to return to Marshall for a Wiley College soccer match scheduled this weekend.

“We couldn’t miss this,” said Sepulveda, a key player in the midfield as a senior for the Cowboys last season. “We just got a text from our coach (Jose Espitia) saying the rings were here. We got excited, packed whatever we could in the dorm and jumped on the bus to get here as soon as possible.

“I never imagined that I would be in this position in front of a packed gym,” he added. “I still can’t believe it and there is so much mixed emotion in my heart. We never let ourselves down (in winning state). If other people see us as an inspiration that can lift them up when they’re down, then that’s great. We had so much faith in each other and we grew up together. We believed in each other, and that’s how we did it.”

Added Anzures, a standout senior forward-midfielder last season for Porter, “This is amazing. I never expected so many people to show up for a ring ceremony like this. It’s unbelievable. We’ve written our names in the history of Porter, and we can see our state trophy (in the trophy case) there in the school lobby. It’s not only for us, it’s for our school, Brownsville and the whole Valley.”

Espitia said hearing the letter from President Obama read to the team and everyone else was one of the highlights of the day.

“It’s not too common to receive a letter from the president,” the Porter coach said. “It’s awesome.

“To see the team back together again and see their faces when they received their rings and jackets was great,” he added. “Of course, they’re young guys and they might treasure more the material stuff like the jackets and rings right now. But at some point, they’ll look back and have an even greater appreciation for what they’ve accomplished. I’m really proud of them and what they’ve done. To top it all off, there was the letter from President Obama. It’s positive news for BISD, and at the end of the day, that’s what we want — positives for our city and our school district.”

Enrique Soto was another standout midfielder for Porter as a senior last season. He said Thursday’s event was a pretty memorable experience.

“Winning a state championship is great, and knowing you won it is an amazing feeling,” said Soto, who now attends UT-Rio Grande Valley after recording perfect attendance during his previous years of schooling. “A state championship is something that stays here at the school and lasts forever. You always have your faith, and if you believe that anything is possible (like winning state), it will happen.”

Roy Hess covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @HessRgehess

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

District 32-6A fall team tennis competition is about to begin.

Hanna and Rivera open 32-6A action against each other next Tuesday after school at the Hanna courts. The other six teams in 32-6A begin district dual match play the same day.

The Rivera Raiders have a combination of experience and youth on their roster this time around.

“We’ve got three seniors coming back plus a bunch of young underclassmen who are eager to do well,” Rivera coach Danny Espinoza said. “They want to improve and they’ve been getting better through our scrimmages, so every day it’s fun watching them progress.

“It’s look and see (what we can do) in team tennis this year,” Espinoza added. “Hopefully there’s a gold or silver lining in there for us.”

Seniors Robert de la Fuente and Jennifer Pesina figure to lead the way for the Raiders. De la Fuente finished third in 32-6A last spring and is currently recovering from an ankle injury. Pesina has gone 5-1 in scrimmage action so far in recent weeks and is set to be the No. 1 girls player for Rivera after serving as the No. 2 and 3 player last school year.

Another senior who could make some noise is Miguel Martinez, who might play in the No. 1 or 2 spot for the Rivera boys.

“He’s improving for his limited experience (at this point),” Espinoza said of Martinez.

A promising newcomer for Rivera is sophomore Elvia Zamora, who is projected to play at No. 2 for the Lady Raiders. Another sophomore showing potential is Karen Palomino.

Meanwhile, Hanna is a traditionally strong opponent in fall and spring tennis and the Golden Eagles are expected to be a solid force again.

Veteran coach Terry Hoover is beginning his 42nd school year at the helm of the Hanna tennis program.

“We have a bunch of hard workers, they don’t mind practicing and they get after it,” Hoover said. “We’re improving every day.

“I think we’re going to be up there fighting for one of the playoff spots (again),” Hoover added. “We’ve been working hard and playing some really good teams (in scrimmages), so we’re looking forward to district competition. We’ve done pretty well so far.”

The Hanna girls have three fairly solid players in junior Paulina de Leon, senior Jessica Sosa and junior Kaylee Garzoria. Garzoria finished third in district last spring and de Leon was fourth. De Leon is projected to play at the No. 1 spot.

For the Hanna boys, the top players include seniors Alan Garcia, Raul Caballero and Servando Robles. Garcia figures to play at the No. 1 spot for the Hanna boys.

Besides Hanna and Rivera, other schools in 32-6A this time around are Los Fresnos, San Benito, Harlingen High, Harlingen South, Weslaco High and Weslaco East. The Weslaco schools are new to 32-6A after the UIL realignment that was announced earlier this year.

“I don’t know if you could say we’re lucky or unlucky that we’ve got Harlingen South and Harlingen High in our district,” Hoover said. “They’re both very quality teams. Actually, everyone in our district has improved and there are no pieces of cake (for an easy victory) anymore. You have to go out and play hard (to win).”

DISTRICT 32-5A

The fall team tennis competition in 32-5A will include Brownsville schools Pace, Porter, Lopez and Veterans Memorial along with Donna North, Mercedes and Edcouch-Elsa. Donna High is not listed by the UIL as competing in 32-5A for fall team tennis. District dual match play in 32-5A also is scheduled to begin during the coming week. The teams will be playing Tuesday-Saturday dual match schedules, just like in 32-6A.

Ana Rodriguez, beginning her fourth year as Pace’s coach, said her three top players back are Kris Martinez, Daniel Ramos and Daniela Sosa.

Pace starts district next Tuesday at Mercedes.

“We have eight seniors and the rest are ‘newbies,’” Rodriguez said. “They’re showing that they have a lot of hustle and they’re trying.”

OTHERS

Port Isabel will be coached this school year by Maria Jimenez Ramon. St. Joseph Academy and IDEA Frontier are not playing fall team tennis, the athletic directors at those two schools said.

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

SAN BENITO — Rivera’s Andrea de la Rosa and Mercedes teammates Dominique Cavazos and Jonathan Reyes dominated the field at Saturday’s 17th annual Dogpound Invitational cross country meet on the San Benito High School campus.

The meet marked the first action of the 2016 season for a majority of the participating teams.

De la Rosa, a sophomore and defending District 32-6A champion, surged to an early lead and maintained a lively pace as she cruised to a decisive first-place finish in 19 minutes, 48 seconds in the girls 5-kilometer race. Her time was almost a minute better than second-place finisher Kelly Aguinaga of Edcouch-Elsa, who came in at 20:41.

“I kept thinking (going into the race) ‘You know what? They’re going to be right behind me the whole time,’” de la Rosa said. “But when I got a big lead, I was thinking, ‘I’m not going to come through (and win),’ so I just kept running and running (hard).

“For the first meet, I thought my pace was pretty good,” she added. “This is a good start to my season. I’m just a little tired right now. This win just means that I can do better.”

Rounding out the top five for the girls were Mayra Bernardo of Edinburg Economedes in third place (20:43), Jennifer Lopez of Rivera in fourth (20:57) and Jasmine Rangel of Rio Hondo in fifth (20:58).

In the boys 5K race, Cavazos and Reyes, past state meet qualifiers in track and cross country, were just as dominant as de la Rosa as they finished 1-2 for Mercedes. Cavazos, a junior, won in 16:46, while Reyes, a senior, was close behind for second place in 16:50. Third and fourth place went to Rivera teammates Jonathan Herrera (17:03) and Ruben Chapa (17:08). La Joya High’s Adrian Flores was fifth in 17:12.

“I don’t feel like I did my best,” Cavazos said. “I just came out here and placed wherever I could place. Jonathan and I weren’t really expecting to build such a huge lead, but we were definitely expecting to place in the top three, so it was a good experience. This feels good. I wish my time had been better, but it’s a tough course.”

Reyes was fairly pleased with his showing as well.

“My teammate Dominique and I went at it,” Reyes said. “We were expecting to come in 1-2. It’s great to have a teammate there to push me. I’ll take second place any day (if it means Cavazos comes in first). I’d rather not lose to anybody but him. It feels good knowing we’re going to be there pushing each other at the end (of a race). I would just say be ready for me and Dominique because we’re going to be ready.”

Sparked by Flores, La Joya High was the boys team champion with 91 points. Harlingen High was second with 104 points and Brownsville Veterans Memorial was third with 112.

La Feria was a narrow team winner over San Benito in the girls division. The Lionettes triumphed with 91 points, while the Lady Greyhounds were second with 94 points. Hanna finished third with 112 points.

Roy Hess covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @HessRgehess

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

To open a new football season, the fans were treated to a thriller Friday night at Sams Memorial Stadium.

After leading 7-0 for most of the game, the Port Isabel High School Tarpons had to rally to defeat Lopez 15-14 in overtime.

The Lobos tied the score 7-7 midway through the fourth quarter by blocking a Tarpons punt and returning it 31 yards to the end zone.

Lopez went first in OT and took the lead 14-7 before the Tarpons came back to score on their first possession of extra time to narrow the gap to 14-13. A successful two-point conversion run by P.I. tailback Omar Silva up the middle provided the winning margin.

“It was an exciting finish,” said Silva, who led all rushers with 181 yards on 18 carries and scored his team’s first TD. “It’s all the confidence we have in our offensive line (that made us decide to go for two).”

Silva’s 61-yard scamper with 6:55 showing in the second quarter gave the Tarpons their 7-0 advantage following Peter Cesenes’ extra point.

But Lobos found some life in the fourth quarter when Josue Lucio blocked a P.I. punt and Alec Angeles returned the loose ball 31 yards to make it 7-7 after Jose Echavarria’s extra point with 6:16 left in regulation.

The contest then went to OT and Lopez scored on a 25-yard pass from Alex Ramirez to Johnny Ibarra. Luis Carillo added the extra point to give the Lobos a 14-7 edge.

But P.I. came right back and scored when Carlos Orduna, who finished with 117 yards rushing, also on 18 carries, went off the left side and into the end zone from 2 yards out. It didn’t take the Tarpons long to decide to go for two. Silva burst across the goal line behind the blocking of his linemen for the game-winner.

“We thought about it a little bit, but then we said, ‘Nah (let’s not kick it), let’s go for two,” P.I. coach Monty Stumbaugh said. “I told the kids, ‘You give me 3 yards (on the conversion try) and we get the win.

“What I was really proud of was that after Lopez took the lead in overtime, our guys came right back to score and then we went on to win,” Stumbaugh added. “It shows we’ve got some character.”

At one point, it appeared the game might not go to OT at all as P.I. drove down the field with time winding down following Lopez’s TD on the blocked punt. The Tarpons marched all the way to the Lopez 5-yard line and had a second down before a bad pitch on the next play resulted in the Lobos recovering the loose ball at their 14 with just a few minutes remaining in regulation.

Lopez went 1-8 last season and returned eight starters on offense and three on defense as the Lobos moved from District 32-6A to 32-5A.

Port Isabel, playing in District 16-4A Division II, returns four starters on offense and six on defense from its 6-4 playoff team of one year ago.

Lopez travels to Edinburg High next Thursday while Port Isabel plays host to Tomball Christian on Friday.

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

The Hanna Golden Eagles played a scrimmage with some important momentum changes Friday against PSJA Memorial at Sams Memorial Stadium.

Fortunately, the momentum changes went mostly all the Eagles’ way as they enjoyed a solid tune-up in preparation for next Thursday’s season opener against Edinburg Economedes.

The Eagles scored on their first five possessions to lead 5-0 against PSJA Memorial during the controlled portion of the scrimmage before the Wolverines came back to narrow the gap to 5-3 prior to halftime.

The two teams then played two quarters of game-situation action. The Eagles found the end zone with 8:15 remaining to seal the scrimmage victory, 6-3, on a fairly pleasant, breezy evening compared to the torrid days of past week or so.

“We got off to a great start and we put in our second group pretty quick,” said Hanna coach Mark Guess, who is returning to the sideline after serving as the Brownsville ISD athletic director. “We were trying to find out if any of those guys (from the second group) can help us. We saw some good things tonight.”

Hanna built its 5-0 advantage thanks to a 1-yard keeper by quarterback Ernest Benavides, a 60-yard scamper down the right sideline by running back Cesar Mancias, a 10-yard burst around the left side by Mancias, a 23-yard scoring pass from Benavides to a wide-open Joe Cavazos and a 29-yard touchdown pass from reserve QB Miguel Payan to Randy Delgado, who was also wide open in the end zone.

“Hanna scored on its first five possessions and they shut us out on our first five possessions,” said Wolverines coach Mike Uribe, who is taking over a PSJA Memorial team that went 2-7 last season. “We could have hung our heads, but we didn’t. That’s what we need to do (is battle back like that).”

“Hanna has a really good team, and I was really proud of our team (for coming back),” Uribe added. “Our guys kept on fighting. We know we have a lot of work to do, but ultimately, the goals we’ve set for ourselves we feel are achievable.”

The Wolverines’ three first-half TDs came on a 5-yard scramble around left end by QB Orlando Munoz, a 12-yard sprint up the middle by running back Roel Martinez and a 9-yard TD pass into the end zone from Munoz to Michael Walder.

Hanna tailback Jaime Gonzalez, who rushed for more than 100 yards on the night, tallied the only TD of the second half on a 5-yard run in game-situation action with 8:15 to go after PSJA Memorial couldn’t score, having gained a first down at the Eagles’ 4-yard line.

Benavides kicked the extra point after Gonzalez’s TD to cap a successful outing for the Eagles, who are coming off a 4-6 season.

“We saw some good things from our younger players, and our guys on the first group did a real good job on both sides of the ball,” Guess said. “We still have some things we have to correct, but in the short term, they’ve picked up a lot of things (in the brief time that I’ve been the new head coach).”

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

PORT ISABEL — There is a fundamental difference between the football programs at Port Isabel and Donna North.

The Tarpons boast a well-established winning tradition, and to prove it, there’s a big sign adjacent to their football field listing every season Port Isabel has advanced to the playoffs from the 1950s to the present, including the years 1981, 1994 and 2003 when the Tarpons reached the state semifinals.

Conversely, Donna North is playing football for only the third year and has yet to reach the postseason. In their two previous seasons, the Chiefs have won only once. The Chiefs see themselves as a team on the verge of building a program that could mirror the success the Tarpons have experienced.

Yet, the past aside, Port Isabel and Donna North enter the 2016 campaign on fairly equal footing as evidenced by Friday’s scrimmage at Tarpon Stadium.

Overall, it was a 4-3 victory for Port Isabel. The Tarpons emerged from the controlled portion of the scrimmage with a 3-2 advantage before each team scored once during 15 minutes of game-situation action.

It was a hot, sun-baked outing that produced some take-away positives for each ballclub.

“We’re trying to make them better and they’re trying to make us better (by playing this scrimmage),” said first-year Donna North coach Matthew Rokovich, whose Chiefs went 1-9 last season. “The good thing is this is (really only) practice — just practicing against someone other than yourself.

“It was two class programs out there competing hard and trying to get better,” Rokovich added. “The hitting was all clean, and that’s what you like to see. Playing Port Isabel helps us become a better team and I hope we help make them a better team.”

The Tarpons scored two of their four touchdowns on their opening possession of the controlled portion of the scrimmage. On just their seventh play, the Tarpons reached the end zone when running back/quarterback Omar Silva bolted around left end and sprinted 67 yards down the sideline before crossing the goal line.

Eight plays later, still during the Tarpons’ initial possession, Silva caught a short pass from quarterback Cesar Aguilera and weaved his way downfield for 39 yards before reaching the end zone. The TD gave the Tarpons a 2-0 edge.

After a halftime break, the Chiefs tallied their initial TD on the 14th play of their third possession. Chiefs QB Alex Saenz found Christian Bustos wide open in the end zone for a 7-yard scoring strike.

Port Isabel quickly responded by going ahead 3-1 on its fourth possession as Silva darted 17 yards off left tackle to the end zone.

“We were challenged and we responded (by scoring that third TD),” said Tarpons coach Monte Stumbaugh, whose team is coming off a 6-4 playoff season. “I liked what I saw and the effort our guys gave. We just have to continue getting better every week. Overall, I liked what I saw.”

As the controlled portion of the scrimmage neared an end, the Chiefs added their second TD when Saenz went in on a 2-yard keeper. The score came on the 10th play of Donna North’s fourth possession.

Once in the 15-minute game-situation action, Port Isabel got the ball first and steadily marched downfield behind its reliable rushing attack. Silva again crossed the goal line for his fourth TD on a 6-yard burst off right guard. The extra point was successful with 9:41 showing on the scoreboard.

After recovering a Port Isabel fumble at the Tarpons’ 23 with 49 seconds remaining, the Chiefs came within one score again. Saenz fired a 15-yard TD pass to Corey Harrison with six seconds to go. The Chiefs’ extra point found the mark.

Led by Chris Bode and John Ray Martinez, the Tarpons’ defense recorded four sacks during the game.

“Our guys made some great plays on defense,” Stumbaugh said.

Scrimmage action continues for both teams next Friday as Port Isabel visits Mercedes and Donna North plays host to Weslaco East at Bennie LaPrade Stadium.

Roy Hess covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @HessRgehess

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

Not surprisingly, the greatest moments in Brownsville high school soccer history have come while city teams played for a state championship.

In this final installment of The Brownsville Herald’s summer-long “Brownsville is Futbol” series, the focus is on five matches involving city teams that stand out as all-time best moments for Brownsville soccer since the UIL sport started in Texas in 1983.

Four of those five defining events took place as Brownsville boys teams played at the highest level for a UIL state title.

Here are The Herald’s Top 5 greatest moments in Brownsville soccer history with a summary of each game:

No. 1 – PORTER WINS STATE ON 20-PLAYER PK MARATHON

The date was April 16, 2016. The Porter Cowboys faced the Frisco Wakeland Wolverines in the Class 5A state final at Georgetown ISD’s Birkelbach Field. Both teams were undefeated and Frisco Wakeland was nationally ranked.

What transpired was an epic soccer match that was deadlocked 2-2 after 100 minutes of regulation and overtime action. It finally wasn’t decided until the 20th player — 10 from each squad — had attempted his penalty kick and missed.

It was an amazing and dramatic conclusion as Porter prevailed 3-2 by winning the PK sudden-death shootout 10-9 to end the season 28-0-1. The highly regarded Wolverines, boasting NCAA Division I recruits, finished 25-1-1.

With his second goal of the match, Porter’s Alexis Armendariz, a junior forward, gave the Cowboys a 2-1 edge with eight minutes left in regulation. But with only 1:09 to go in regulation, Wakeland rallied and came up with a remarkable goal when the ball hit the left post and ricocheted across the goalmouth to narrowly settle into the net just inside the right post.

After neither team could score in OT to break the 2-2 stalemate, the match went to penalty kicks, where 10 players for each team attempted a PK.

In a shining moment for Porter, while under immense pressure, all 10 Cowboys converted their penalty tries. Those players (in order) were Uriel Sepulveda, Marco Don Juan, Enrique Soto, Armendariz, Harambe Garcia, Anthony Cuellar, Esteban Mata, Angel Silva, Luis Lara and Ricardo Vidal. The PK attempt of the 10th Wakeland player hit the right post and bounced away, setting off an emotional, jubilant celebration on the field and Porter sideline as the Cowboys prevailed 10-9 in PKs to earn a 3-2 victory.

Armendariz, who finished the season with 31 goals and 17 assists, was named 5A boys MVP at the state tournament and later was chosen All-Valley boys soccer MVP.

Also, Porter freshman goalkeeper Mario Rios made his first starts of the season in the state semifinal and final to earn all-tournament honors along with teammates Alexis Anzures and Marco Don Juan.

On that day, Porter, which had won the 5A soccer crown in 2006, became the only Valley school to capture more than one UIL state championship in any team sport.

“It was an honor to have been part of the 2016 Porter team,” Cowboys coach Jose Espitia said. “It was a total team effort. Our boys worked together like a well-oiled machine and deserve every single recognition they’ve received.”

No. 2 – LOPEZ WINS VALLEY’S FIRST STATE TITLE IN SOCCER

The date was April 17, 2004. It was the day the Lopez Lobos captured the Valley’s initial UIL state championship in soccer. It all began with Lopez as the Lobos were the first of six Valley teams to bring home UIL state crowns.

Due to a downpour and lightning in Georgetown on April 10, the original scheduled day for the Class 4A state boys final, the title match was postponed until one week later at Cabaniss Field in Corpus Christi. There, the Lobos confronted favored Brenham, a team with a 32-game winning streak.

Valley fans at Cabaniss Field outnumbered the Brenham faithful 2-to-1 and the day eventually belonged to Lopez. The Lobos went up 2-0 during the first nine minutes thanks to goals by Jose “Bebo” Ramos and Ivan Morales, and Lopez wound up winning 2-1 against a stunned Brenham squad. Brenham scored during the 77th minute, but it was not enough.

The 25-4-1 Lobos that season were blessed with a pair of talented junior forwards in Ramos and Enrique “Chicle” Rivera. Each finished the year with approximately 30 goals. The Lopez midfield consisted of standout players such as Morales and Roberto Galvan. The defense was led by Joe Lopez, the team’s designated spokesman, and his younger brother Mando Lopez.

“I would say that winning the championship in 2004 — against all odds for we were facing a formidable opponent — gave every team in the Valley the mental assertion that our style of soccer (in South Texas) was good enough to compete against anyone at the state level,” Lopez coach Amadeo Escandon said. “I can recall on a personal note in 1986 when we (were Hanna players and) advanced to the regional tournament in San Antonio. Although I wasn’t a starter, the talk amongst ourselves was not about our team and how well we were playing, but rather about how tall, strong and fast the players from San Antonio were. Mentally, we had already lost the game and it reflected on the final score as we lost 3-1.

“I almost made the same mistake as a coach in 2004 as I gave our players scouting reports on potential (playoff) opponents from San Antonio and North Texas,” Escandon added. “I recall how ‘Bebo’ came up to me and told me straight up, ‘Coach, you worry too much about the other team. We’re going to beat them.’ That was the mentality the rest of the team shared, and that, I believe, is the greatest legacy the 2004 team gave to the rest of the Valley teams.”

No. 3 – RIVERA RAIDERS BECOME STATE’S FIRST 6A BOYS CHAMPS IN SOCCER

The date was April 18, 2015. The Raiders took on Katy Cinco Ranch in the title game of the UIL’s newly created Class 6A division of the state tournament at Georgetown.

Because of inclement weather conditions and a revised, backed up schedule, Rivera had to play two matches within less than 24 hours. The Raiders beat North Mesquite 5-1 in a state semifinal that lasted past midnight into Saturday, April 18, and came back the same day in the evening to top Cinco Ranch 2-0 for the 6A championship. It was roughly two games within a 16-hour span.

Rivera that season was probably the most dominant team the Valley has ever produced in soccer as the Raiders finished 28-0. For the first time, a Valley team won state with a perfect record. It was a Rivera team featuring an unrelenting offensive attack that included Eliseo Ortiz (26 goals), Isidro “Chelin” Martinez (23) and Alexis Herrera (22).

Martinez was chosen 6A boys MVP at state and teammates Ortiz and Herrera joined him on the all-tournament team along with brothers Israel and Eliezer “Chaii” Acero.

Martinez made it 1-0 just 16 minutes into the title match and it became 2-0 by halftime. Cinco Ranch never seemed to have a chance.

The feeling of exhilaration after winning it all was best summed up by Hernan Cruz, a junior defensive midfielder for the 2015 team.

“No words can explain how happy and excited we are, knowing that we’re 28-0 with a perfect season, making our dream come true and not being the team of ‘almost there, almost there,’” Cruz said. “An undefeated season with a state title is unimaginable.

“Since the beginning we knew it was going to be tough and everything, but we stayed humble and stayed together as a family, as brothers and as a unit, just playing Rivera’s style of soccer,” Cruz added. “That’s what helped us get to state and go 28-0.”

Added coach Salvador Garcia, “It”s amazing not only to win it all and go undefeated, but the way we did it by playing an attractive, beautiful style.”

No. 4 – PORTER PULLS OFF IMPROBABLE UPSET AGAINST POWERHOUSE COPPELL

The date was April 15, 2006. The site was Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex in Round Rock, where Porter battled state soccer powerhouse and No. 2 nationally ranked Coppell for the 5A championship.

The stunning result was Porter’s first UIL state championship thanks to a pair of timely goals by senior forward Jorge Briones, who helped the Cowboys rally from a 1-0 deficit to prevail 2-1 in overtime.

The championship match went to overtime after 80 minutes of scoreless action in regulation. Having recorded a decided edge in shots on goal, it was no surprise that Coppell went up 1-0 in OT. But then the Cowboys came alive and scored the next two goals off the foot of Briones to win 2-1 in OT. It was a shocker for Coppell, whose fans had been yelling “USA, USA” to spite Porter as being a school on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Briones was named 5A boys MVP at state. Also selected to the all-tournament team for 22-4-5 Porter that season were defensive midfielder Diego Rodriguez, defender Michael Cedillo, center midfielder Mario Perez and goalkeeper Eric Chapa, who made 12 saves in the state semifinal and 11 saves vs. Coppell.

Other standouts for Porter included Edgar Acuna, Jovanny Briones, Juan Razo, Wilfredo Fernandez, Aldo Sierra and Gerardo Herrera.

“It was amazing,” said Jose Luis Zarate, who coached the Cowboys that season and now coaches golf at Brownsville Veterans Memorial. “All the hard work in the offseason and regular season paid off. The motto was ‘Believe in your abilities — you belong here.’ ‘Si se pudo’ (Yes, we could).”

No. 5 – LOPEZ, PORTER PLAY BEFORE LARGEST CROWD TO SEE A CITY SOCCER GAME

The date was April 9, 2011. The site was Brownsville Sports Park, where Porter and Lopez squared off on a sunny Saturday afternoon in the Region IV-5A final with a trip to the UIL state tournament in Georgetown awaiting the winner.

The event attracted a crowd of between 4,000 and 4,500, which set a record as the largest turnout to ever watch a soccer game in Brownsville. It was one of the few times the stands of the main soccer field at BSP have been almost filled to capacity for a sporting event. The line of fans waiting to enter the stadium stretched back more than a football field long, winding around the parking lot.

The previous record of approximately 2,000 spectators was set on April 2, 2004, when Lopez played on its home field and defeated Porter 1-0 in the Region IV-4A final.

The two teams’ regional final matchup of 2011 at BSP had a different outcome as Porter triumphed 2-0 and advanced to state for the third time. The officiating in that 2011 match didn’t please either team as Moises “Moy” Gonzalez, Lopez’s standout midfielder, was red-carded on a questionable call and forward Alan Cortinas, Porter’s leading scorer, was sent off after receiving his second yellow card.

The Cowboys moved on to the 5A state semifinals, where they lost six days later to Round Rock McNeil 2-1 and finished the season 32-4.

Roy Hess covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @HessRgehess

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

One name says it all.

Some of Brownsville’s best high school soccer players over the years are immediately identifiable by nicknames such as “ Chelin,” “Moy,” “ Chicle,” “ Bebo,” “Chino,” “ Jaiba” and “ Tanque.”

As evidenced by the four UIL state titles Brownsville boys soccer teams have brought home since 2004, there has been no shortage of talented players at the city’s high school level since the the UIL sport started in Texas in 1983.

Those four state championship teams include Lopez in 2004, Porter in 2006 and 2016 and Rivera in 2015. Also, Lopez reached the state final in 2009 as did Hanna in 2013. Other Brownsville squads advanced to the UIL state tournament in 1984, 1990, 2005, 2007, 2011, 2014 and 2016.

But none of those teams would have been great without great players.

Coming up with a list of the city’s best players from the past 30-plus years is a challenging task, but The Brownsville Herald gave it a try thanks to input from current local coaches along with help from former coaches and players.

Among the ones selected to The Herald’s Top 50 list of Brownsville’s best players are Rivera’s Isidro “ Chelin” Martinez, Lopez’s Moises “Moy” Gonzalez, Enrique “ Chicle” Rivera and Jose “ Bebo” Ramos, Porter’s Mario “Chino” Perez and Jesus “ Tanque” Rodriguez and Hanna’s Eduardo “ Jaiba ” Sanchez. There are many other standout players known more commonly by one name as well.

Perez, a forward-midfielder, started four years for Porter before graduating in 2009. As a freshman in 2006, he stepped in to start at center midfielder for the Cowboys in the Class 5A state final at Round Rock when Porter rallied to beat favored Coppell 2-1 in overtime. He went on to earn all-conference honors playing at the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College .

When told his name was on the Top 50 list as one of Brownsville ’s best players, Perez was surprised and humbled.

“It’s an honor to be one of the ones chosen,” he said. “It’s something you don’t really expect. You play the game because you love it and you play for your team.

“It’s good to hear that people watched you and enjoyed seeing you play,” he added. “I’m just very grateful to be selected as one of the ones (on the list).”

Perez’s response was similar to the others who were selected.

Just like Perez, Juan Gamboa, sometimes known as “ Gamby ,” and Rivera both played at UTB-TSC and earned recognition in college for their strong play after standout high school careers at Pace and Lopez, respectively.

Each was a clear choice for The Herald’s Top 50 list. Gamboa was a four-year starter at goalkeeper for Pace teams that won District 32-5A four straight seasons and that played in the regional final twice. Rivera, as a junior forward in 2004, scored approximately 30 goals, as did fellow junior forward “ Bebo ” Ramos, to help Lopez win the Class 4A state title. It was the Valley’s first of six UIL state championships in soccer.

Gamboa was quick to voice his appreciation.

“First off, I’d just like to say thank you and that I am very humbled to even be considered for that list,” said Gamboa , who will be coaching soccer at Bonham and playing for the Dallas Sidekicks again during the coming school year. “There have been so many great players over the years. My time at Pace was a great experience. I am very grateful to coach (Jose Alfredo) ‘Chico ’ Jimenez and (his assistant) Jesus O. Villarreal for trusting me enough to consider me a varsity player as a freshman. I learned so much from them.

“We had great runs all four years, but it still hurts a little that we never got to take the last step into the state tournament (due to a pair of narrow losses in the regional final in 2006 and 2007),” Gamboa added.

“ Chicle ” feels honored as well.

“It’s a blessing to be named one of the top players of all time in Brownsville ,” Rivera said. “I would’ve never imagined this recognition. Without all my teammates, coaches and staff this wouldn’t be possible. I personally want to thank those who voted in my favor. They recognize the hard work, dedication and passion I have for the game.”

Another player who was a lock for the all-time best list is Martinez, who earned Class 6A MVP honors at the UIL state tournament in 2015 when Rivera captured the inaugural 6A boys state title in soccer. Also, “ Chelin ” is the only player from Brownsville ever chosen as USA Today/Gatorade Soccer Player of the Year for Texas , which happened in 2015.

“Being part of the list of (best) players is not because of me, it’s because of the quality of my teammates that helped me, and God strengthening me,” said Martinez , who now plays for the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley. “What stands out to me about my years at Rivera is the help they provide you in the classroom and on the pitch. Everyone at Rivera is a family, and it’s great. You see people there that really care about your future.

“I want to thank (Rivera soccer) coach (Salvador ) Garcia, coach (Andres) Macias and coach (Jose) Dominguez for always believing in me,” he added. “This consideration (as one of the best players) goes to all the Raider family.”

The Herald’s list includes three sets of brothers. They are Ivan (2004 graduate) and Nestor Morales (2009) of Lopez, Filiberto (2004) and Alan Cortinas (2011) of Porter and Jesus “ Tanque ” (2001) and Diego Rodriguez (2006) of Porter.

“It’s a great honor to be considered one of the top all-time players in Brownsville ,” said Diego Rodriguez, who was a defensive midfielder and team captain on Porter’s 2006 state championship team. “It’s funny because I grew up admiring so many local players, including my brother (a strong scorer at forward). He was my greatest role model and I always pushed myself to be at his level.

“It’s really rewarding to be recognized by my city, but I believe there’s always room to improve and grow as a player,” added Rodriguez, who now plays professionally for Barracudas FC of Brownsville .

Likewise, Ivan Morales is glad his brother Nestor is joining him on the Top 50 list. Both were midfielders. Ivan’s 2004 Lopez team won state, while Nestor’s 2009 Lobos squad was a state runner-up. There was also an older brother, Ruben Morales, who played soccer for Lopez. Their grandfather, Santos Morales, began the family’s soccer tradition playing in Matamoros and is in the sports hall of fame there.

“For me, it is really a privilege to be part of such an elite group of great players,” Ivan Morales said. “I personally know most of them, and it was really a pleasure playing against them on many occasions. Being included (on the Top 50 list) with my brother is something special and amazing. I recall Nestor being there as a ball boy during my time playing for Lopez, and I feel very proud of what he has done on and off the field.”

A cousin of the Morales brothers, Nestor Estrada, a standout for Rivera who graduated in 2004, is also on the Top 50 list. Jose Espitia, who just coached Porter to its second state title last April, believes the city’s soccer players and teams will only continue to get better and better. Espitia has seen some good ones. He played for Lopez before graduating in 1997 and was an assistant coach at Lopez when the Lobos won it all in 2004 before he was there to win state as Porter’s head coach in 2016.

“There are so many great players (in Brownsville),” Espitia said. “It has a lot to do with the fact that all Brownsville programs work very hard and are constantly finding ways to improve their coaching. It makes everything more competitive and it makes all of us better.”

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

Perfection on the soccer field is quite a high standard to achieve.

Yet it has been attained in recent seasons by a pair of Brownsville boys soccer teams at the high school level.

In determining the city’s top all-time teams since the UIL sport started in Texas in 1983, the unblemished records achieved by the 2015 Rivera Raiders (28-0) and 2016 Porter Cowboys (28-0-1) go a long way in setting those two squads apart from all the others throughout the years in the city’s storied history on the soccer field.

It also helps that each of them brought home a UIL state championship. In all, city teams have captured four UIL titles.

Thanks to input from local coaches plus former coaches and players, The Brownsville Herald has put together a list of Brownsville’s all-time best boys high school soccer teams. Those two squads from 2015 and 2016 share the top spot in The Herald’s Top 10.

The 2015 Raiders won a remarkable seven games during the playoffs to bring home Texas’ first Class 6A state championship in boys soccer. A season later, the Cowboys also won seven games in the postseason en route to obtaining their school’s second Class 5A soccer title.

The memory of such an achievement will stay with the Rivera players and coaches for a lifetime as it will for all others from Brownsville who won a state championship.

“What really stood out to me with this amazing team was that we were all in the same boat to achieve the same goal and become the 2015 state champs,” said Eliseo Ortiz, a standout senior forward who led Rivera with 26 goals in 2015. “All the hard work put in by my teammates and I during the whole season was incredible, and it stood out a lot when we reached our goal.

“Yes, the 2015 team was the best team I have ever played on since I started playing the sport,” added Ortiz, who is now playing college soccer in Laredo. “I’ve had great coaches and great teams during all my years of playing, but this (2015) team and these coaches were the greatest. It was an unstoppable team. I always said if there was more (competition) than just state for high schools, we would have taken that, too. I have no doubt.”

The feeling is much the same for Porter’s Alexis Armendariz, a junior forward who tallied three goals, including one in penalty kicks, to help the Cowboys win a second 5A state championship for their school last April 16 in Georgetown. Armendariz was named 5A boys MVP at state.

“You live in the moment every day, but remembering what it was like to win state is something that feels new all the time because it’s something that just doesn’t happen very often,” said Armendariz, who finished the 2016 season with 31 goals and 17 assists while earning All-Valley boys MVP honors at a recent awards banquet in McAllen. “Everything we accomplished in winning state was thanks to God and it motivates us to battle hard again next season for another state title.”

Here is a team by team summary of each Top 10 squad:

No. 1 (tie) 2015 RIVERA RAIDERS (28-0)
Featuring an unrelenting offensive attack that included Eliseo Ortiz (26 goals), Isidro “Chelin” Martinez (23) and Alexis Herrera (22), the 2015 Raiders were virtually unstoppable in their journey to the state’s inaugural 6A state title in boys soccer.

Rivera coach Salvador Garcia told his squad during a team meeting at school one month before the season began that if anyone didn’t believe the Raiders would be playing in the state final on April 18, 2015, in Georgetown to just leave then and not bother playing on the team. No one left the room and the rest is history.

The Raiders went through the regular season unimpeded at 21-0 and then recorded Brownsville’s most dominating showing ever in the playoffs. Only La Joya Juarez-Lincoln came close to slowing down Rivera in the regional quarterfinals. But the Raiders prevailed 2-1 in penalties kicks over the Huskies. From there, Rivera blew by San Antonio Reagan (3-1) and San Antonio Brandeis (3-1) at the regional tournament at Brownsville Sports Park.

At Georgetown, the Raiders downed North Mesquite 5-1 in the state semifinals before shutting out Katy Cinco Ranch 2-0 in the state final, thus completing their April 18 mission. The following day, which was a Sunday, the Raiders were welcomed home with a victory parade to the high school.

Other key members of the squad that season included Isreal Acero and Jesus Alex Torres on defense and Hernan Cruz, David Alexander and Eliezer “Chaii” Acero in the midfield.

No. 1 (tie) 2016 PORTER COWBOYS (28-0-1)
Just like the Raiders from one season earlier, the 2016 Cowboys were strong from the start and kept their record unblemished all the way through to winning the 5A state title. Porter became the only Valley school to capture more than one UIL state championship in any sport.

The Cowboys thrived with a talented lineup across the field. They were particularly strong in the midfield with players such as Alexis Anzures, Marco Don Juan, Uriel Sepulveda and Enrique Soto. Standouts on defense included Anthony Cuellar and brothers Roberto and Daniel Briseno. Alexis Armendariz (31 goals, 17 assists) and Ricardo Vidal were stalwarts up front for Porter.

Freshman goalkeeper Mario Rios made his first starts of the season in the state semifinals and final to earn all-tournament honors at Georgetown.

It took a come-from-behind 2-1 victory in overtime in the regional final against crosstown rival Pace for Porter to earn its spot at state. The Cowboys then defeated El Paso Eastlake 4-1 in the state semifinals before prevailing in penalty kicks over previously unbeaten and highly regarded Frisco Wakeland in the state final. The score was tied 2-2 after 100 minutes of regulation and overtime play before the Cowboys triumphed 10-9 in penalties. Amazingly, all 10 players for Porter who attempted a PK converted their shots. The PK attempt of the 10th player for Wakeland bounced off the right post, lifting the Cowboys to a dramatic and emotional victory.

No. 3 2004 LOPEZ LOBOS (25-4-1)
The Lobos of 2004 were the first of six Valley teams to win a UIL state title in soccer.

Due to a downpour and lightning in Georgetown the day of the Class 4A state boys final, the match was postponed until one week later at Cabaniss Field in Corpus Christi. There, on April 17, 2004, the Lobos confronted favored Brenham, a team on a 32-game winning streak.

The Valley fans at Cabaniss Field outnumbered the Brenham faithful 2-to-1 and the day belonged to Lopez. The Lobos went up 2-0 during the first nine minutes thanks to goals by Jose “Bebo” Ramos and Ivan Morales and Lopez wound up winning 2-1 against a stunned Brenham squad. Brenham scored during the 77th minute, but it was not enough.

In the state semifinals on April 9 in Georgetown, Lopez rallied from a 2-0 halftime deficit to defeat El Paso Del Valle 3-2.

The Lobos were blessed with a pair of talented forwards that season in Ramos and Enrique “Chicle” Rivera. Each finished the year with approximately 30 goals. The Lopez midfield consisted of talented players such as Morales and Roberto Galvan. The defense was led by Joe Lopez, the team’s designated spokesman.

No. 4 2006 PORTER COWBOYS (22-4-5)
The Cowboys were truly “Comeback Kids.” After defeating Fort Bend Clements 2-1 in a shootout during the 5A state semifinals in Round Rock, the Cowboys went against No. 2 nationally ranked Coppell in the state final on April 15, 2006.

The championship match went to overtime after 80 minutes of scoreless action in regulation. Having posted a decided edge in shots on goal, it was no surprise that Coppell went up 1-0 in OT. But then the Cowboys came alive and scored the next two goals to win 2-1 in OT. It was a stunner to Coppell, whose fans had been yelling “USA, USA” to spite Porter. Sadly, the same thing happened 10 years later when Porter played Frisco Wakeland in the 2016 state final.

Jorge Briones, a senior forward in 2006, scored both of Porter’s goals against Coppell and was named 5A boys MVP of the UIL state tournament. Also selected to the all-tournament team at state for Porter that season were defensive midfielder Diego Rodriguez, defender Michael Cedillo, center midfielder Mario Perez and goalkeeper Eric Chapa, who made 12 saves vs. Clements and 11 saves vs. Coppell.

Other standouts for Porter that season included Edgar Acuna, Jovanny Briones, Juan Razo, Wilfredo Fernandez, Aldo Sierra and Gerardo Herrera.

No. 5 2013 HANNA EAGLES (26-2-3)
The Golden Eagles came oh so close to winning state.

In the 5A state final that season on April 20 at Georgetown, Hanna led 2-1 with 3 1/2 minutes left in regulation against another strong Coppell team thanks to a pair of goals by Carlos Acevedo. Coppell’s late goal tied the match 2-2 and sent it to OT. With 56 seconds remaining in the second half of OT, the Cowboys scored again to win 3-2, barely avoiding a penalty kicks finish.

The Eagles came up with a huge defensive effort and received one first-half goal from Acevedo to prevail 1-0 against a highly regarded Alief Elsik squad in the state semifinals.

All-tournament selections at state for Hanna were Acevedo at forward, Juanito Garcia at midfielder and Angel De La Garza at defender.

Other standouts for the Eagles that season included Andres Cervantes at forward, Daniel Olivares and Diego Acevedo at defender and Eduardo “Pana” Vargas at goalkeeper.

No. 6 2009 LOPEZ LOBOS (30-6-1)
One of Lopez’s best teams was the 2009 group that reached the 5A state final in Georgetown before falling to Plano High 3-1 on April 11 that season.

The Lobos advanced to the championship match by edging Spring Klein Oak 5-4 in a shootout after leading 4-1 at halftime in the state semifinals.

Named to the all-tournament team at state for the Lobos in 2009 were forward Jorge Cantu, forward/goalkeeper Mauricio Lugo and midfielder Hugo Ballesteros.

Lopez advanced to state for the second time in 2009 after capturing the 4A state title in 2004.

No. 7 1990 HANNA EAGLES (19-3-1)
The Hanna squad became the first Valley team to defeat a San Antonio opponent in the regional final at Blossom Athletic Center in San Antonio. The Eagles that season captured an emotional 1-0 victory against previously unbeaten and nationally ranked San Antonio MacArthur in the regional final to earn their first trip to state.

The UIL state tournament was played at Austin Westlake that year and Hanna went against Tyler Lee in the state semifinals. The Eagles season came to an end following a 4-3 loss on a marathon 22-player shootout to Lee.

Members of the Hanna squad included Kevin Salgado, Freddy Figueroa, David Ruiz, Reynaldo Alvear, Eduardo Sanchez, Juanay Macias, Jose Hernandez, Alfonso Medina, Louie Garza, Javier Sanchez, William Ramirez, David Viramontes, Antonio Salazar, Ricardo Vital and Jose Vilano.

No. 8 2016 LOPEZ LOBOS (21-3-1)
The Lobos squad of the past season advanced to the UIL state tournament for the fourth time in school history and fell to Austin Lake Travis 2-1 in the 6A state semifinals on April 15 in Georgetown.

It took a gutsy 1-0 victory against San Antonio Reagan in the regional final at Brownsville Sports Park to secure Lopez’s fourth appearance at state. The Lobos became the first Valley team and perhaps only one of few in Texas to have played at the state tournament in soccer in all three divisions of competition — 4A, 5A and 6A.
Selected to the all-tournament team at state were midfielders German Vera and Jose Echavarria.

No. 9 2007 PACE VIKINGS (22-3-8)
This is the only team in the Top 10 that didn’t advance to state, but it certainly came close.

Led by four-year starters Juan Gamboa at goalkeeper and Miguel Davila at forward, the Vikings won District 32-5A four straight seasons from 2004 to 2007 and reached the regional final in San Antonio in 2006 and 2007.

The Vikings, then coached by Alfredo “Chico” Jimenez, are the only Valley team to have beaten South Texas powerhouse San Antonio Churchill at the regional tournament. They beat Churchill in the regional semifinals in 2006 and 2007, but then lost to Porter and Rivera, respectively, in the regional final for a trip to state.

On a cold, rainy and windy afternoon in San Antonio in 2007, 32-5A fourth-place Rivera prevailed over 32-5A champion Pace 1-0 in a shootout to prevent the Vikings from getting to state. Porter had edged Pace 1-0 in the 2006 regional final in San Antonio.

No. 10 2014 LOPEZ LOBOS (22-3-1)
Yet another standout season came to a close at state for the 2014 Lobos. This time Lopez’s season ended in the 5A state semifinals.

A 3-2 victory over Rivera in the regional final ushered Lopez to its third appearance at the UIL state Tournament in Georgetown. But the trip didn’t last as the Lobos had planned as they were beaten in the semifinals 3-2 by eventual 5A state champion Fort Bend Clements. Leo Martinez scored both of the Lobos’ goals against Clements.
Chosen to the all-tournament at state that season for Lopez were midfielder Kevin Maldonado and defender Julio “J.C.” De La Garza.

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

A familiar name is returning as a high school soccer coach in Brownsville.

Juan de Dios Garcia has been hired to succeed Tino Villarreal at St. Joseph Academy.

Garcia retired as coach of the Hanna Golden Eagles after the 2012 school year following 30 seasons and a 437-206-66 career record.

The highlight of Garcia’s coaching career at Hanna came in 1990 as the Eagles went 19-3-1 and advanced to the UIL state tournament semifinals in Class 5A before falling 4-3 to Tyler Lee on a 22-player shootout. While Garcia coached at Hanna, the Eagles advanced to the playoffs 20 times and reached the regional tournament in San Antonio on seven occasions.

Four of Garcia’s former players at Hanna, now coaches, have taken teams to a UIL state final. Three of them have brought home state championships.

“We feel Juan de Dios Garcia is a perfect fit for us,” said Villarreal, also SJA’s head football coach who recently assumed duties as the Bloodhounds’ athletic director.

In soccer, Villarreal coached the Bloodhounds to the TAPPS state semifinals with records of 16-4-2 and 18-6-1 during each of the past two seasons. He said stepping down as the school’s soccer coach was a tough decision, but added he felt it was necessary so he can devote more attention in his role as AD to all of SJA’s sports, particularly those in the winter and spring months.

Garcia inherits an SJA team with seven starters returning, including previous TAPPS all-staters Mario Ramirez at goalkeeper, Jose Kauachi at center midfielder and Mario Garcia at defender.

“Coach Tino Villarreal has done an outstanding job with the St. Joseph boys soccer team,” said the former Hanna coach, 62. “There is tremendous camaraderie and brotherhood on the team. Coach Tino has turned this team into a family. I hear that the parents are very supportive. With a team like this, extraordinary things can happen.

“Coaching is in my blood,” Garcia added. “I do not know what I would do without it. I’ve been resting my mind and preparing myself for another coaching adventure.”

Garcia said he hasn’t really been out of coaching since leaving Hanna after the 2012 school year.

Starting in 2007, he served as an assistant coach for the women’s soccer team at the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College with one season (2013) as head coach. He continues as president of the Rio Grande Valley Soccer Coaches Organization.

Garcia is grateful to have had the opportunity to coach his grandson, Juan Antonio Garcia.

“I haven’t really left coaching,” Garcia said. “After I retired from my alma mater, Hanna High School, I coached the UTB women’s soccer team, and since then, I have been coaching my grandson’s team, ‘Las Aguilas’ in the under-5, under-6 and now under-7 division. I’ve had a lot of fun coaching the little ones.

“As a coach, one hardly ever leaves the profession,” he added. “One nourishes oneself with more knowledge obtained by attending soccer clinics, coaching conferences, watching games, sharing ideas with amateur and professional coaches, reading, attending symposiums and learning from game analysis by well-known soccer commentators. I’ve just been waiting for another opportunity to coach.”

Villarreal sees Garcia as someone who can guide the Bloodhounds to the next level in the TAPPS playoffs.

“We have a strong team and we need strong leadership,” Villarreal said. “We believe Juan de Dios can provide it. His reputation precedes him. He’s been a positive influence for a lot of young men, not only on the soccer field, but for life. We see him as the right person for the job.”

Garcia, a native of Matamoros, was inducted into the RGV Sports Hall of Fame in 2015 and was enshrined into the Texas Association of Soccer Coaches’ Hall of Honor in 2012. He once played soccer professionally in Mexico and was inducted into the Matamoros Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.

Garcia becomes the second former longtime Hanna coach to join the coaching staff at SJA. Dolores Olguin-Trevino was hired by SJA last fall to start a volleyball program at the school at the middle-school level.

Roy Hess covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @HessRgehess