LOS FRESNOS — Inexperience at the varsity level was probably one of the main things that kept the Los Fresnos Falcons from advancing to the state soccer playoffs last season after they reached the third round of the postseason in 2014.
The Falcons have brought back a solid, battle-tested group to the field this year that is led by some standout seniors. They include center midfielder Ivan Jimenez, central defender Juan Lozoya, goalkeeper Jorge Medina and forwards Erick Arellano and Gustavo Olmedo.
The Falcons of 2016 are playing with a hunger that shows they are eager for a return to the playoffs.
“We’ve improved a lot,” said Jimenez, who along with Lozoya are the only two holdovers from the Falcons’ squad of 2014. “We’re communicating on the field, and that’s why we have been winning these last few games.
“Two years ago we made it to the third round, and that was history (for the boys soccer program at our school),” Jimenez added. “With these guys, I feel confident that we have the team to make it to the fourth round.
“This team is my family and this is my last year, so I want to leave having made (even more) history.”
Los Fresnos has won three of its past four games in District 32-6A to hold down fourth place with a 3-2 record and nine points. The Falcons play at third-place Brownsville Veterans Memorial (3-2, 10 points) at 7:30 p.m. Friday. It’s a game that could boost their position in the standings with a win.
“We’ve been playing pretty good lately, and the way we’re playing now I think we can play with anybody,” Falcons coach Javier Navarrete said. “This team has come together. Getting some victories has really bonded them. Their faith has really helped them come together on and off the field as well. With God’s help, anything can happen.”
Regarding his senior core of players, Navarrete said, “Every senior group is special in its own way. (As seniors) it’s their time to shine and lead their team. These seniors are no different. They have all made personal sacrifices and have taken their roles and responsibilities this year very seriously.
“They have set some lofty goals and are geared to reach all of them, even if it means playing a different position, being more vocal on and off the field, and coming together as a team spiritually,” the Falcons coach added. “It’s been amazing to witness, that’s for sure. With God’s favor we hope to continue doing well for our school and our community.”
During their past two matches, the Falcons have defeated Harlingen High 2-1 and Rivera 1-0 in overtime.
“It’s been really good playing on this team,” Olmedo said. “We’ve had our ups and downs, but we’re playing as a team. This is part of our ups (right now). We want to go all the way up.”
Added fellow forward Arellano, “It means everything to play with this group of guys. I transferred here my junior year (from Lopez). This is my first year as a starter here, and I’ve become really close to these guys. It’s an honor to be a starter for this team.
“Every single player on this team is stepping up,” Arellano added. “We’re united, and we all communicate with each other on the field. We play together, and we play for each other. It would be amazing to be back in the playoffs.”
As the goalkeeper, Medina sees a number of things from his position on the field that are pleasing to him about the way the team is playing.
“I like the way my teammates believe in each other a lot on the field,” he said. “I like my team a lot.
“We just have to come out playing hard every single game because we’re in a really tough district,” he added. “We have to always keep our heads up and play hard no matter what the score is.”
Asked if he had any final thoughts, Medina said, “Thanks to all the people who have been supporting us.”