KEVIN NARRO | SPECIAL TO THE MONITOR
EDINBURG — For the first time in program history, the Edinburg North boys’ soccer team is heading to the Class 6A regional tournament.
The Cougars are coming off a thrilling win in the regional quarterfinals against perennial power Brownsville Rivera, a team North lost to in the area round in 2014. Edinburg North now has its sights on San Antonio Clark at 5 p.m. Friday at the Blossom Center in San Antonio.
“It was a process to get here,” Edinburg North coach Elias Moran said. “The first step was back in 2014, when we won a bi-district title. And the following year we won a district title, and last year we were unlucky and fell to Brownsville Veterans in bi-district. This year, we have more experience. Our kids are mentally prepared to go against anybody. At times we may bend, but we don’t break.”
Moran is in his fifth year at the helm and has two district titles under his belt. He began his coaching career at La Joya Juarez-Lincoln from 2010-12 before becoming the head coach at Edinburg North.
Of the four teams left in the region, two clubs are from the Valley — Edinburg North and Juarez-Lincoln. The game-by-game mentality remains, but the possible all-Valley regional championship would be interesting, considering Moran once patrolled the Huskies sidelines.
“It’s great for the RGV to have teams compete and make deep playoff runs,” Moran said. “It would be a dream to meet (Juarez-Lincoln) coach (Victor) Ramos in the next round, but we both have tough opponents waiting for us. However, it is on our minds that we could see each other, and that would be a great honor.”
The Cougars entered the 2017 playoffs as District 31-6A champions and have defeated Harlingen South, Laredo LBJ and Rivera so far in the postseason.
“We are very blessed to be in this spot,” Moran said. “We made history, and we’re not done yet. We want to continue making history for Edinburg North. It’s great to see all the kids’ hard work pay off. Now, it’s a matter of going to San Antonio and giving it our best shot.”
The Cougars defense has led the way, highlighted by senior and four-year letterman Azael Deleon. Deleon, a center back, has endured the highs and lows during his four years. Deleon has served as a team captain and leader for the club.
“We knew we had something special heading into this year,” Deleon said. “It’s amazing to be in round four. It’s my last year, and to help make history for our school has been a blessing. Coach wants us to keep the pressure up. Our defense has been the key, and we’re looking forward to the next challenge.”