BY KEVIN NARRO | SPECIAL TO THE MONITOR
EDINBURG — After a scoreless first half, senior Azael Deleon made play after play for Edinburg North. Deleon netted a hat trick as Edinburg North shut out PSJA North 3-0 Friday night.
“He is our captain, and a big part of our team. He is our leader,” Edinburg North coach Elias Moran said. “Tonight was huge for us. Last time we played PSJA North, they took us to penalty kicks, and we managed to come out with a win. Tonight, in the second half, we switched up our strategy, and Azael was the difference maker tonight,”
Deleon gave Edinburg North a 1-0 lead early in the second half. PSJA North was awarded a penalty kick with 15 minutes left in regulation. Luis Flores pushed the ball over the net, missing the tying goal, shifting the momentum back in favor of Edinburg North.
After the missed penalty kick, Deleon took over with a pair of goals in the final 15 minutes, sealing an important win for the Cougars.
Edinburg North has found its form during the past few weeks. On Tuesday, Edinburg North defeated PSJA Southwest, leapfrogging the Javelinas for the top spot in District 31-6A with an 8-2 district record. The Cougars also completed a season sweep of the Raiders, with their first win coming down to penalty kicks.
“Tonight was tough, mentally and physically,” Deleon said. “Things got a little crazy, but I was able to calm my team down, and we were able to pick up a big win,”
The three-goal night was a career high for Deleon.
“It couldn’t have come at a better time,” Deleon said. “Coach wanted us to keep focused. We are one step closer to our goal. Tonight, our defense stepped up and kept them from scoring, and our offense was able to adjust in the second half.”
Edinburg North will look to keep its six-game win streak alive during the final two weeks of the season. Edinburg North will turn its focus to Edinburg High on Tuesday night. Meanwhile, PSJA North (5-5) will look to get back on track with a match up against PSJA Southwest on Tuesday night.