GREG LUCA | STAFF WRITER
GEORGETOWN — Coming into a matchup against a Palestine team that had yielded just 18 goals in 32 games, Progreso coach Margarito Jimenez knew he would need a shutout from keeper Oziel Jaramillo.
Though the Red Ants ultimately lost the Class 4A state final 1-0 in penalty kicks on Friday, Jaramillo did his part, keeping the Wildcats off the board in regulation and overtime.
“He just plays all out,” Jimenez said. “He is just an outstanding kid, and outstanding player. What we asked him was to keep a clean sheet, and he did that.”
Progreso had more shots in the game, racking up 15 to Palestine’s 7, but the Wildcats had perhaps the game’s two best scoring opportunities.
During the 32nd minute, Palestine’s Riley Harper came in on a breakaway, but Jaramillo charged forward to wipe out the chance. Later, with 14 minutes to play in the second half, Jaramillo dove to his right to swat away a header from about 10 yards by Palestine’s Chris Giron.
“The goalies did the jobs,” Progreso captain Rogelio Zamora said. “That’s what mattered in this game. The goalies were the best.”
Progreso’s defense also played a role, limiting a taller, stronger Palestine team to only one corner-kick opportunity.
“We had to be confident,” senior defender Juan Puentes said. “We had to be strong at the back, because we knew they were physical and that they could run.”
FAN SUPPORT
After watching the Red Ants pick up a win in the state semifinals in front of about 200 fans on Wednesday, Progreso mayor Arturo Aleman decided to ensure that Friday’s game would have a larger turnout.
The city of Progreso purchased about 325 tickets for adults and students, leading to a cheering section that was more than double Wednesday’s size.
“All of the people are hyped up, so we said, ‘You know what? Let’s give something back to the community,’” Aleman said.
Aleman said the city dipped into a special fund for occasions of this nature, providing a school bus for the about 40 students who wanted to make the trip.
One group of five attending the game had “GO RED” spelled out across their torsos in body paint.
Puentes said the players noticed all of the fans who had come to support them, even if he felt the Red Ants disappointed them with the loss.
“All of these people were counting on us, and I’m sorry, but we let them down today,” Puentes said. “I know they’re proud of us, because we were pioneers, but we wanted to take that trophy.”