By ROY HESS, Staff Writer
With spirited cheers and applause, Brownsville gave a heartfelt thank you to the Rivera Raiders on Tuesday for bringing the city its third state championship in UIL soccer.
A supportive crowd of approximately 700-plus fans gathered at the Brownsville Sports Park soccer complex to show their appreciation to the Rivera coaches and players.
The Raiders completed a 28-0 season by capturing the inaugural Class 6A boys state soccer title with a 2-0 victory against Katy Cinco Ranch on April 18 at the UIL state tournament in Georgetown.
The players and coaches were officially presented with their individual medals and the championship team trophy, the same ones they had received at state, only this time they were applauded by their supporters. At state, the trophy and medals presentation took place in the privacy of a locker room because of inclement weather.
“It was special to receive our medals tonight because my mom (Edith Ortiz) couldn’t be there when we got them in Georgetown,” said Eliseo Ortiz, Rivera’s senior forward who led the team with 26 goals. “For her to see the medal placed on my chest, it was a great experience.
“It was great for all of us to be together one more time before the seniors head off to their destinations in college,” Ortiz added. “It’s a great way to close out high school.”
The event was organized by the City of Brownsville. Proceeds from Tuesday’s $3 admission fee are to be used to help the team buy championship rings.
Among the city officials on hand was Mayor Tony Martinez, who told the team, “You all believed in yourselves (and won state). Don’t ever forget that you are the champions.”
The players demonstrated their appreciation for the recognition they were receiving from those in attendance the best way they knew how — by playing soccer.
In an exhibition game with 20-minute halves against Brownsville ISD coaches, the Raiders eventually prevailed 5-4 in penalty kicks.
The coaches, who trailed 2-1 at halftime, gave a credible showing of themselves, scoring the first two goals of the second half to lead 3-2 before the Raiders came back to tie the match at 3 and go ahead 4-3. A late goal by the coaches again tied the match at 4, and bypassing overtime, sent it to an extended display of penalty kicks before the Raiders came out on top in PKs 5-4.
“Thanks to everyone who showed up and helped us raise money for our rings,” Ortiz said.
Previous Brownsville teams bringing home state titles were Lopez in 2004 and Porter in 2006.