By STEFAN MODRICH | Staff Writer
Brownsville Porter’s main goal heading into its 2020 season was to find an identity and replace captain Oscar Garcia.
It appears the Cowboys have found someone to fill Garcia’s shoes — Brandon Montes.
The junior midfielder scored twice during a 3-0 victory over Edinburg North in the Southmost Classic championship game Saturday at Lopez.
“We’re hoping this is going to be a confidence booster for our boys,” Porter coach Jose Espitia said. “We’ll be ready when district starts, because at the end of the day that’s what matters most.”
Porter got off to a fast start, as Montes found the back of the net off of a rebound with a left-footed shot from 20 yards out to give the Cowboys the lead one minute into the contest.
The Cougars responded with three quality chances, but all of them were denied by junior goalkeeper Isaac Acevedo.
“We caught them off guard (with an early goal),” Espitia said. “After that, they started giving us a battle.”
Five minutes later, sophomore striker Xavier Mateos doubled the lead on a counterattack to put the Cowboys firmly in control.
“(Mateos’ goal) was a morale-killer for (Edinburg North),” Espitia said. “Our guy started controlling the game and passing the ball, keeping possession of the ball.”
Three minutes into the second half, Montes drilled another long shot to put his team ahead 3-0 and diminish any hope of a late Edinburg North rally.
“It felt good (to score again),” Montes said. “We went for every ball, and we won every ball.”
Espitia noted freshman defender Jose Luis Perez was among the players who impressed him most during the offseason training and said he has the potential to make an impact as a starter this season for the Cowboys.
“He started off a little bit nervous,” Espitia said. “But he’s gaining confidence.”
It was the sixth game in three days for both finalists. The tournament was co-hosted by Lopez and Porter, and featured teams from all over the Rio Grande Valley, including Pace, Los Fresnos and McAllen High.
Laredo LBJ Laredo United, Laredo United South, and Victoria West also participated in the tournament, as did Porter’s JV Dark team, which tied its games against Laredo LBJ and Victoria West.
“Most of those kids are freshmen and sophomores, and they were playing against varsity teams,” Espitia said. “So we’re excited for the future.”