LOS FRESNOS — For all those who have lost count, the Brownsville Veterans Memorial Chargers now have won 10 straight games in District 32-6A soccer.

Their latest victory was a come-from-behind 2-1 triumph against the Los Fresnos Falcons on Friday at Leo Aguilar Memorial Stadium.

The road win sets up the Chargers (11-2, 34 points) for a likely showdown against Lopez (10-2, 31 points) next Tuesday at Brownsville Veterans with the district championship at stake on the final day of 32-6A competition.

Lopez has to get past Harlingen High (0-12, no points) at 10 a.m. Saturday at Brownsville Sports Park.

After falling behind 1-0 against the Falcons during the 23rd minute, the Chargers rallied with a pair of goals within a 50-second span, the second of which came with 2 1/2 minutes to go before intermission as Brownsville Veterans went ahead 2-1. The second half went scoreless.

The win now gives the Chargers an opportunity to focus exclusively on the final district match against Lopez on Tuesday.

“I think all through the second round (of district) we’ve been having it in the back of our minds (that it would come down to us and Lopez),” said Chargers senior center midfielder Humberto Trevino, who assisted on his team’s first goal and scored the second. “We’ve been taking it one game at a time, and now the next one coming up for us is the most important one.”

Added teammate Gabriel Montoya, a junior forward who tallied the Chargers’ initial goal, “It feels great to get this game out of the way so we can focus on Lopez now. We’re hungry for that district title.

“I’m just proud of my teammates,” Montoya added. “They’re playing great. I just thank God for tonight’s win.”

The Falcons went up during the 23rd minute when the ball was centered from the right side over to Christian Campos on the left side. His medium-range shot found the net for the game’s first score.

The Chargers pulled even during the 37th minute as Trevino took a corner kick from the left side and the ball carried over to the right post where Montoya headed it into the goal.

Fifty seconds later and with 2 1/2 minutes left in the half, Trevino attacked down the middle of the field on a breakaway and beat the Falcons goalkeeper in a 1-on-1 situation for the eventual game-winning goal.

Chargers coach Alberto Vasquez said Friday marked probably the only time so far in district this season that his team has trailed.

“The Los Fresnos coach (Javier Navarrete) told me before the game that they would be coming at us with everything they had because they’re trying to make it to the playoffs,” Vasquez said. “That’s what they did. We haven’t really played from behind this year in district. It was really a challenge for us, but our guys stayed patient and those two timely goals helped us pull it out.”

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

Through the best of times and everything else, Hernan Cruz has been there for the Rivera Raiders.

Cruz is a senior captain and four-year starter at a variety of positions. He was surrounded by equally experienced and talented teammates last season as Rivera captured the first Class 6A state title in boys soccer.

The Raiders defeated Katy Cinco Ranch 2-0 in the state final last April 18 at Georgetown. It completed a 28-0 season for Rivera.

Things are different this time around with practically a new team for the Raiders.

Cruz, primarily a midfielder/forward, is one of only two starters back from that state championship squad. The other returning starter is Eliezer “Chaii” Acero, also a midfielder/forward and team captain.

Rivera coach Salvador Garcia has looked particularly to Cruz to provide guidance for the Raiders as they try to come of age at the varsity level and compete for a playoff spot in a highly competitive District 32-6A.

Cruz is everything he could ask for in a leader, the Raiders coach said. In his 25 years as the head coach and an assistant at Rivera, Cruz is a unique team captain, he said.

“‘Nano’ (Cruz) represents what you want in a player because he’s going to give you 100 percent and go above and beyond to do what it takes to help the team,” Garcia said. “Plus, there’s the fact that he understands the game. He reads the game perfectly, and even as a freshman he could do that.

“He’s someone that is not afraid to go up to one of the guys, regardless of his classification, and say, ‘Hey, this is the way it’s supposed to be done, and this is why,’” Garcia added. “It’s hard to find someone like that, a person who leads by example with his play on the field and who is also willing to tell a teammate what he’s doing wrong so that the team can improve. That’s the difference between ‘Nano’ and the many, many other leaders we’ve had.”

The Raiders (6-6, 17 points) are tied for fifth place in 32-6A with Harlingen South (5-7, 17 points) with two district games remaining. Rivera next plays third-place Hanna (8-4, 22 points) at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Sams Memorial Stadium.

The district’s top four teams advance to the playoffs. The Raiders are trying to qualify for the postseason for the 24th time in 25 years.

“I feel good (about our chances), and I’m proud of my teammates,” Cruz said. “We have a young group of players. Many people may not believe in us, but I always tell the guys — just like the coaches are saying to us — that we shouldn’t worry about what other people are saying.

“We should just worry about us and how we’re playing,” he added. “We’re going to stay positive and see what happens.”
Rivera soccer has been a big part of Cruz’s life, even before he came to the high school. He attended the Raiders’ games as a grade-schooler.

“There are no words to accurately describe what this coaching staff and what this program is all about,” said Cruz, who plans to attend the University of Houston at Victoria and play soccer next school year. “It’s not only about soccer, it’s about life on and off the field. The coaches tell us it’s a journey and that we’re learning life lessons.

“I’m just honored to play for this coaching staff and with all my teammates since my freshman year,” he added. “I’ve built great chemistry with all of them, and I’m really glad I’m here.”

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

With the end of the regular season for soccer fast approaching, it’s a good time to look ahead to the postseason.

District 32-6A is settled playoff-wise for the girls, while the boys still have several possibilities.

For the boys, district co-leaders Brownsville Veterans Memorial and Lopez (both 10-2. 31 points) have clinched playoff spots. With two games remaining, they could go into next week’s final 32-6A match against each other still tied and playing for the district championship.

They’re scheduled to play Tuesday at Brownsville Veterans. The Chargers won their first-round match against Lopez, 2-0, at Sams Memorial Stadium.

Before that 32-6A finale, the Chargers are at Los Fresnos on Friday, and the Lobos play Saturday at Brownsville Sports Park against Harlingen High.

In the mix for the district’s two final playoff spots for the boys are Hanna (8-4, 22 points), Los Fresnos (7-5, 20 points), Rivera (6-6, 17 points) and Harlingen South (5-7, 17 points).

“From third to sixth place, everything is so close (between four teams) in our district,” Hanna coach Reyes Prado said. “I know everyone has said the same thing from the beginning of the season, but really, right now it’s a playoff atmosphere for every (32-6A) game. Everyone is trying to earn as many points as possible, and it’s tough, especially for these last two games.”

Rivera, which plays Hanna on Friday at Sams, has put itself in the playoff conversation with wins against South (2-1) and Los Fresnos (2-1) in its last two matches.

“We expect two tough games (against Hanna and then San Benito),” Rivera coach Salvador Garcia said. “On Friday versus Hanna should be a good test for us because Hanna is in my humble opinion the most talented team in our district. We gave them a good game during the first round (losing 2-1 in overtime) and we are going to try our best to give them a good game again.

“Winning both of our last two district games will put us in a great position for the postseason,” Garcia added. “We are going to do our part and leave everything else in God’s hands.”

Determined following Tuesday’s results, the four girls playoff qualifiers from 32-6A are Los Fresnos (10-2, 30 points), Lopez (9-3, 26 points), Brownsville Veterans (8-4, 24 points) and South (8-4, 24 points).

The Los Fresnos girls, regional finalists one year ago, are going after their fifth district title in seven years.

32-5A UPDATE

The playoff news is good for the Brownsville boys and girls teams in District 32-5A.

For the boys, first-place Porter (12-0, 36 points) and second-place Pace (8-4, 24 points) have qualified for the postseason, while so have the Lady Vikings (10-2, 28 points) and Cowgirls (8-4, 27 points). The Pace girls share the district lead with PSJA Southwest (10-2, 28 points) and the Porter girls (8-4, 27 points) are close behind.

It’s the first time for the Cowgirls to advance to the postseason.

The four playoff qualifiers for the girls in 32-5A have been determined. Besides Porter, Pace and PSJA Southwest, the other girls team headed to the postseason is Edcouch-Elsa (7-5, 22 points).

Two playoffs berths are still open for the 32-5A boys.

The final round of 32-5A games will be played Monday.

VALLEY QUALIFIERS

Among the Rio Grande Valley’s Class 6A and 5A schools, so far 14 girls teams and eight boys squads have secured playoff spots.

Besides the previously mentioned Valley girls playoff qualifiers from 32-6A and 32-5A, the others from 6A and 5A are McAllen High and McAllen Memorial from District 30-6A, Edinburg North and Edinburg Economedes from District 31-6A and Sharyland High and Sharyland Pioneer from District 31-5A.

For the boys, besides the ones that already have clinched from 32-6A and 32-5A, other Valley 6A and 5A playoff qualifiers include McHi from 30-6A, PSJA Memorial from 31-6A and Sharyland High and Valley View from 31-5A.

There are four-team districts, such as District 32-4A for the boys, where all the teams advance to the postseason. For 32-4A boys, those teams are Port Isabel, IDEA Frontier, Progreso and La Feria.

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

Regardless of the sport, late is always better than too late.

Alexis Hernandez’s goal with 50 seconds remaining in regulation prevented overtime and saved the day for Hanna, 2-1 winners over Harlingen South on Tuesday during a down-to-the-wire District 32-6A soccer match at Hanna.

The Golden Eagles have weathered a tough stretch of 32-6A contests lately, and Hanna coach Reyes Prado was glad to see one finally go his team’s way.

“We’ve lost some games because of the lack of that little chance at the end, that little push (to lift you to victory),” Prado said. “But that’s soccer. That’s what happens. Sometimes it goes your way and sometimes it doesn’t.

“This is probably the first break like this we’ve gotten in the last five games,” he added. “That’s been the story of our season. This game could have gone either way. Hopefully Lady Luck will continue to give us a break and go our way from now on. That’s all we can ask for.”

Coupled with Rivera’s 2-1 win Tuesday against Los Fresnos, Hanna’s victory against South moved the Eagles back into third place in 32-6A at 8-4 with 22 points. Los Fresnos (7-5, 20 points) is now fourth, while South (5-7, 17 points) and Rivera (6-6, 17 points) are tied for fifth.

Two games remain in district. The top four teams advance to the playoffs.

Brownsville Veterans Memorial and Lopez (both 10-2, 31 points) share the 32-6A lead and each have clinched a playoff spot.

“Actually, we had a very young lineup tonight, and we knew it was going to be difficult playing here at Hanna, but our players showed a lot of promise,” South coach Julian Robles said. “Due to injuries and things, we had two freshmen and four sophomores in there. We just need experience. Our inexperience showed there at the end (when we allowed that late, game-winning goal).

“Our guys (especially the new starters) underwent trial by fire against Hanna tonight,” he added. “We played well and we had our opportunities against them. Hanna just came out on top.”

After it seemed as though no one would ever find the net during a scoreless first half, things turned in Hanna’s favor just 1 minute, 11 seconds into the second half. The ball was centered from the right side and Oscar Cordoba punched it in from close range to give the Eagles a 1-0 advantage.

Hanna’s lead was short-lived, though, as South was awarded a penalty kick for a trip less than a minute later and Sean Muniz’s strong shot into the left corner of the net equalized the score.

Then, with the final minute of regulation ticking away, Hernandez sent a medium-range, rolling shot from the left side into the right corner of the goal to lift the Eagles to victory with 50 seconds to spare.

District action continues Friday as Hanna plays Rivera at Sams Memorial Stadium and South will be at home against San Benito.

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

Thanks to Tuesday’s 2-0 District 32-6A win at Hanna, the Harlingen South Lady Hawks have clinched a spot in the state soccer playoffs.

A first-half goal by Amber Ray and a second-half tally by Stephanie Torres lifted the Lady Hawks (8-4, 24 points) to victory and it gives them a return trip to the postseason.

“This is a huge win for us,” South coach Omar Pedroza said. “I’m glad we got this one playing at Hanna with two (32-6A) games left to go. I think it puts us in pretty good shape for the playoffs.”

Actually, the South girls are in real good shape for the postseason because the worst they can do now is tie Hanna (6-6, 18 points) for fourth place in 32-6A if they lose their next two games and the Lady Golden Eagles win twice.

If that were to happen and the two teams tie for fourth place, South already has swept Hanna (4-0 and 2-0) in the two teams’ district matches, so the Lady Hawks would have the edge on the tiebreaker of head-to-head meetings, if it comes to that.

South closes its 32-6A schedule against San Benito and Harlingen High, while Hanna finishes against Rivera and Los Fresnos.

Sadly, the loss effectively ends Hanna’s playoff hopes because it appears the Lady Eagles would also lose the tiebreaker with Brownsville Veterans Memorial (8-4, 24 points) if the Lady Chargers lost their next two games and Hanna won both to tie for fourth place.

South and Brownsville Veterans are tied for third place in district behind Los Fresnos (10-2, 30 points) and Lopez (9-3, 26 points). The Lady Falcons and Lady Lobos have clinched playoff spots as well along with the Lady Chargers, so the district’s four postseason berths now are taken.

During Tuesday’s game at Hanna, South’s Ray gave her team a 1-0 lead with barely five minutes left in the opening half. Ray dribbled in and broke free from the defenders who were trying to stop her. Finding herself in a 1-on-1 matchup with the Hanna goalkeeper, Ray sent a shot into the net from just outside the box for the only goal the Lady Hawks needed.

To seal the victory, South’s Torres scored from close range with 10 minutes remaining to make it 2-0.

South is at home against San Benito on Friday while Hanna takes on Rivera at Sams Memorial Stadium the same night.

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

The long wait is over.

The Porter Cowgirls have qualified for the state playoffs in soccer for the first time since they began playing the UIL sport in 1998.

They’ve come very close to reaching the postseason before, but it just didn’t happen until last Friday. Last season was an example. The Cowgirls tied Pace for fourth place in District 32-5A but were edged out on a tiebreaker by the Lady Vikings for the district’s final playoff spot.

Even though the Porter girls lost their 32-5A match 1-0 on penalty kicks Friday at Pace, they picked up one point in the standings, while the Lady Vikings earned two.

Coupled with the result of another 32-5A game that night, it clinched playoff spots for both Pace (9-2, 25 points) and Porter (7-4, 24 points). PSJA Southwest (9-2, 26 points), now the sole district leader after Friday, is in the playoffs, too.

While the Pace girls made it to the playoffs last season for the first time since 2011, this marks the initial trip to the postseason for the Cowgirls, who play host to Donna High (1-10, three points) at 8 p.m. Tuesday. That game follows the 32-5A match between the Cowboys (11-0, 33 points) and Redskins (6-5, 18 points) at 6 p.m.

“This is my fourth year at Porter, and to make it to the playoffs my last year here is just amazing,” said Alexis Vega, a senior forward and team captain for the Cowgirls. “It really means a lot to me to be a part of this team. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing that I’ll experience.”

Added Allysa Vega, Alexis’ sister who is a sophomore central defender, “I’m so proud of myself and my teammates because we’ve been working hard every day to be in this position. Everything we’re doing (is contributing to our success). We want to go farther in the playoffs than what people think we can.”

Besides the Vega sisters, other members of the Cowgirls’ starting lineup are goalkeeper Andrea Villaneuva, defenders Kasandra Reyes, Quetzali Cortez and Roxanna Miranda, center midfielders Sheila Dominguez and Carla Longoria, midfielders on the wing Lizbeth Garcia and Hilda Valdivieso, and forward Priscila Cortinas.

Helping off the bench are Itzelh Casarez, Susana Romero, Katherine Castillo and Kassandra Demetrio. Also on the team is Sandra Andrade, who is currently sidelined with an injury.

“More than anything, it’s the commitment these girls have and the effort they give,” said eighth-year Cowgirls coach Abraham Gracia, who is assisted by Ricardo Salazar. ”It’s rare for one of these girls to miss practice, even when they’re hurt. If they’re hurt, they come and sit down just to watch practice. They’re a phenomenal group of girls.”

When asked how it felt Friday to learn his team had made the playoffs, Gracia said, “The news caught me by surprise to be honest because I knew what the points were, but I wasn’t aware of the score from the other game (where PSJA Southwest defeated Donna North 3-0) until the Pace coach told me and congratulated us. I’ve been so happy. After eight years (as coach), it’s happened. I went to church Sunday and almost cried.

We still have three regular-season (32-5A) games left, so we’re just going to take it game by game,” he added.”We still have a chance for the district title.”

The significance of the Cowgirls’ accomplishment is motivating the team, Garcia said.

“This is our dream come true,” said Garcia, a junior utility player and team captain. “We trust each other. We’re staying positive and confident. We’re excited and we’re ready to go far.

“We’re making history for the first time in Porter girls soccer, and we’re giving it all to make everyone proud — our coaches, our high school and Brownsville.”

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

All Porter all the time.

That’s the way it’s gone in District 32-5A soccer for the Cowboys this season.

Friday at Pace was no exception, as district leader Porter remained undefeated in district play with a 1-0 victory against the second-place Vikings.

It was another prime example of an intense city rivalry soccer match played before a standing-room-only crowd.

A goal by Jose Pardillo on a header following a corner kick from the left side with three minutes to go in the first half wound up being the difference.

The win clinched at least a tie for the 32-5A title for Porter (11-0, 33 points).

Still, the Cowboys want much more.

“We’re taking it one game at a time so we can reach our goal, which the same goal of every Brownsville team, and every team in the Valley, actually,” said Porter coach Jose Espitia, whose squad already has secured a playoff spot. “We want to make it to state and do well. That’s our main goal.

“I want to say that I’m very impressed with our guys. It’s their drive, their discipline and their focus this season. There’s a lot of chemistry and team unity with this group. I’m proud of them. I hope we keep up the good work.”

Despite the loss, Pace (8-3, 24 points) remains in second place in the district. If there was any consolation for the Vikings on Friday, it’s that they appear to have definitely improved through the course of 32-5A competition since last month when they lost 6-2 at Porter during the first round of district.

On this particular night, Pardillo, a junior forward, was the one who sent the Porter Nation home smiling.

Daniel Briseno took the corner kick for Porter from the left side. The ball carried over to the far right post, where Pardillo was perfectly situated to head it in for the only score the Cowboys needed.

“I’m proud and very happy (to score that goal),” Pardillo said. “The team is working hard and the (winning) results are coming out. Pace pressured us, but we were able to come out winners. We’re very happy with the victory.

“We just need to continue staying humble and working hard to reach our goal,” he added.

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

It’s very rare that both teams win after a soccer game ends.

Yet, in a way, that’s what happened Friday when the Pace Lady Vikings played host to the Porter Cowgirls in a District 32-5A match.

Technically, on the scoreboard, Pace was a 1-0 victor over the Cowgirls on penalty kicks.

But after the match, each team had a reason to be happy. Coupled with PSJA Southwest’s 3-0 win Friday against fifth-place Donna North, there were celebrations because it appeared the Lady Vikings (9-2, 25 points) and Cowgirls (7-4, 24 points) both have qualified for the Class 5A playoffs, and that’s the main goal each squad has sought to achieve this season.

SJA Southwest (9-2, 26 points) now is the sole district leader. Pace and Porter shared the 32-5A lead with the Lady Javelinas entering Friday’s action.

While Pace advanced to the postseason one year ago, going to the playoffs is a first for the Cowgirls, who started playing UIL soccer in 1998.

“First of all, I want to congratulate the Pace girls for making the playoffs,” Lady Vikings coach Jesus O. Villarreal said. “I also want to congratulate the Porter girls. I’m glad to be witnessing history (as the Cowgirls make the playoffs for the first time).

“It was a hard-fought game tonight and both teams played well,” Villarreal added. “It’s a ‘clasico,’ and it’s always going to be that way (between these two city rivals).”

Each team had some promising scoring opportunities during 80 minutes of regulation. Deadlocked in a scoreless tie after those 80 minutes ended, the match went directly to penalties as per 32-5A rules.

Pace goalkeeper Hania Davila was a standout as she blocked the first two attempts by the Cowgirls, who went first in the PKs. Meanwhile, Kryssie Rivera went first for the Lady Vikings and converted her try for a 1-0 lead.

Porter’s Kasandra Reyes, her team’s fourth shooter, evened it 1-1, before Pace’s Ariana Garcia followed next and made good on her PK to provide the eventual 2-1 game-winner.

Officially, it goes down as a 1-0 triumph for Pace.

“We’re just taking it one game at a time,” Cowgirls coach Abraham Gracia said. “We just didn’t really play our game tonight, but it’s nice to make it to the playoffs after all this time.

“We still have a shot at the district title, so we’ll see what happens in these next three (32-5A) games (to close the regular season),” he added.

By ROY HESS, Staff Writer

Thanks in large part to strong defensive play, the Brownsville Veterans Memorial Chargers are thriving in District 32-6A soccer.

The Chargers, winners of seven matches in a row, share the district lead with the Lopez Lobos with four games remaining on the 32-6A schedule. Each team is 8-2 with 25 points.

Brownsville Veterans plays at home against San Benito (2-8, six points) at 5:30 p.m. Friday. The game will be followed by the Lady Chargers (6-4, 18 points) taking on the Lady Greyhounds (3-7, eight points) at 7:30 p.m.

The Brownsville Veterans boys have allowed only four goals in 10 district matches.

Chargers coach Alberto Vasquez said a solid effort on the defensive end has helped set up what his team is achieving on the offensive side.

“Whenever your defense is playing the way these guys are playing, it gives your midfield and forwards just so much confidence,” Vasquez said. “The midfielders and forwards understand that those guys back there are taking care of their responsibilities. They know their teammates behind them are going to be solid.

“The defense is just giving us a lot of confidence,” he added. “We struggled a lot last year giving up goals. We struggled scoring goals as well. We just gave up way too many goals last season. It’s always nice to have a solid defense. We’re not giving up that many goals now, and on offense, we’ve been doing pretty good, too.”

The Chargers, coming off Tuesday’s 2-1 win at third-place Hanna (7-3, 19 points), are enjoying success with a group effort on defense.

It’s a defense composed of Jesus Arena and Marco Trevino as central defenders, and Humberto Aguillon and Frankie Moreno on the defensive wings. Estuardo Teran is the defensive midfielder and Garret Wild is the goalkeeper.

Abel Martinez is an injured member of the defense who hopes to return in two or three weeks.

Members of the defense say it means a lot to be such key contributors to the team’s winning streak, particularly Moreno, a freshman.

“It feels very good to have this opportunity (to be starting) on the varsity since it’s my first year of high school,” Moreno said. “I thank my parents and all my teammates for helping me. I just want to see us continue forward (and keep winning).”

Arena, a junior, also appreciates his chance to contribute on defense and elsewhere. He scored the winning goal off a corner-kick play against Hanna.

“It’s great to play with these guys as my teammates game by game,” Arenas said. “We’re training and playing hard to win district. That’s our goal and our dream.”

Providing senior leadership for the Chargers are Aguillon and Teran.

“Knowing that we’ve only conceded four goals in the entire district (schedule), I’m very thankful for having my teammates around me,” said Aguillon, a three-year starter. “We’re all working together as one to not let goals go into our net and we all work together to score goals into the opponent’s net.

“I believe that we’re doing well because we’ve been working together like a family,” he added. “We’ve been together like three or four years now. This team has a lot of potential. We see our mistakes and we make sure we correct them.”

Added Teran, a fellow senior and also a three-year starter, “This year is very special to us. We all know that, and that’s why we’re trying our best. We’ve been together for about three years and we’ve been working harder and harder each year. The communication we have on the field between one another is very important. That’s been the key to protecting our goal and not letting the ball pass us.

“We’re going for it all, and we know we can do it.”

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
Four St. Joseph Academy soccer players have earned TAPPS first-team all-state honors.

They are midfielders Andres Rico and Jose Kauachi, defender Mario Garcia and goalkeeper Mario Ramirez.

It’s the second straight year for Rico, Kauachi and Ramirez to be named first-team all-state. Rico is a senior and the other three are juniors.

The Bloodhounds went 18-6-1 this season and reached the TAPPS state semifinals for the second consecutive season, losing 3-2 to eventual state champion Addison Trinity Christian on Feb. 23 in San Antonio. Trinity Christian defeated Plano Pope John Paul II in the state final, 2-1, on Feb. 26.

“This type of recognition feels good, and it’s a huge honor for our boys,” SJA coach Tino Villarreal said. “We have a very diverse pool of talent in TAPPS Division I. There are experienced players from places like Germany that play for Houston Awty International and very talented club players from the Dallas area who play at private schools there. So for us to receive this type of recognition means a lot.

“It’s the most recognition we’ve gotten,” he added. “Coaches couldn’t vote for their own players, so it means our team and our players are earning respect (around the state).”

Named second-team all-state for the Bloodhounds was Gerardo Moses, a senior forward who led SJA with 24 goals. Kauachi was second on the team with 18.

SJA players receiving all-state honorable mention were senior midfielder Gerardo Elizondo and sophomore sweeper Rodrigo Sanchez.

Also, TAPPS all-district selections were announced and include seven SJA players on the first team. They are Rico, Elizondo, Moses, Kauachi, Garcia, Ramirez and Sanchez.

SJA’s Anuar Atiye and Luis Amaro earned second-team all-district honors. All-district honorable mentions for the Bloodhounds are Abram Caram, Miguel Guerra, Pedro Coronado and Pablo Zolezzi.

32-5A SHOWDOWNS
Porter and Pace have emerged as top teams in District 32-5A boys and girls soccer.

The crosstown rivals meet Friday at Pace for a doubleheader with the boys playing at 6 p.m. and the girls at 8 p.m.

For the boys, Porter (10-0, 30 points), the Valley’s top-ranked team, leads the district and Pace (8-2, 24 points) is second. The Lady Vikings (8-2, 23 points), Cowgirls (7-3, 23 points) and PSJA Southwest (8-2, 23 points) are 32-5A tri-leaders after Tuesday’s results.

The Cowgirls are the only team to defeat PSJA Southwest in district so far this season, winning by a pair of 1-0 scores both home and away, including Tuesday at Porter.

The Porter girls are No. 10 in the RGVSports.com Top 10 Valley rankings this week for the first time in their soccer program’s history. Their focus now is on Pace, a team they defeated 1-0 during the first round of district on Feb. 5.

“It’s going to be a good game,” Cowgirls coach Abraham Gracia said. “City (rivalry) games are always full of action and it can go either way. I think it’s going to come down to who wants it most.”

For his part, Lady Vikings coach Jesus O. Villarreal said, “Definitely it will be a showdown with both teams making history (by sharing the district lead and contending for the playoffs).”

VETERAN MOVES
The Brownsville Veterans Memorial boys and girls are making strong pushes for the postseason. That was evident Tuesday as the boys and girls both won at Hanna. The Chargers prevailed 2-1 and the Lady Chargers won 2-0.

It was the seventh straight victory for the Chargers, who share the District 32-6A lead with Lopez. Both teams are 8-2 with 25 points.

“The fact that we started the first round with three ties (in games that led to penalty kicks where we won once and lost twice) was a tough way to begin district,” Chargers coach Alberto Vasquez said. “Starting the second round with three wins is something we really wanted.

“We wanted to make sure we didn’t have a repeat of how we started the first round,” he added. “It’s nice, especially since it’s been wins against teams that we lost to (such as Hanna and Rivera) in the first round, even though it was on PKs.”

The Lady Chargers (6-4, 18 points), tied for third in 32-6A with Harlingen South, are moving forward despite injuries that have forced lineup changes.

“I think the main difference for us has been that the players coming off the bench have really stepped up and provided the support that we need at times,” Lady Chargers coach Luis Troncoso said. “We’ve had a couple of girls go out with injuries. We’ve had to bring in some subs and they’ve responded very well. I’m proud of our girls.”

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