By Estefani Carrasquedo | Special to The Monitor
LA JOYA — La Joya High’s boys soccer team defeated La Joya Palmview 3-1 on Friday night at La Joya ISD Stadium.
The Lobos led the game 14 minutes into the first half after Saul Delgado scored the first goal of the game. However, a penalty kick scored by Julian Cortinas tied the game 1-1, and La Joya High rolled from there.
Cortinas led La Joya High to victory by scoring two of the Coyotes’ goals.
“It’s always great to win, especially when my family is out there watching,” Cortinas said. “My teammates always help me out and push me to do better.
“A victory always brings happiness.
During the second half, the Coyotes took the lead thanks to Ulises Guajardo after he was fouled outside of the penalty box at the 31 minute mark.
Palmview coach Marco Ribera received a yellow card five minutes later for arguing with an official.
“The linesman called out an offside where one of my players did not participate,” Ribera said. “You know you always have to complain and I got a yellow card, but I settled down.”
With only 6 minutes left in the game and missing his previous shot, Julian Cortinas scored his second and final goal.
“We’re playing Nikki Rowe next; although they’re at the bottom of the district, it doesn’t mean it’s going to be an easy game,” Ribera said. “From now on, all the games are tough. We’re 1-1 in the district, it’s the beginning, so hopefully we can improve and the guys can be ready for the next game.”
La Joya coach Alex Davila, meanwhile, celebrated a win that improved his team to 2-1 in district.
“This is the first game that I believe we kept our focus for 80 minutes, even though we went down 1-0,” Davila said. “We just have to keep on working and staying focused and avoid mistakes. With that, our chances will be better at winning.”