KEVIN NARRO | SPECIAL TO THE MONITOR
LA JOYA — Entering Thursday’s Class 6A bi-district playoff tilt against Laredo United South, one key factor the Huskies possessed was experience. The District 30-6A champions showed that they are poised for another postseason run with a convincing 3-0 win against Laredo United South Thursday night in La Joya.
Juarez-Lincoln will now await the winner between Edinburg Economedes and Los Fresnos, who will take the stage Friday night. Juarez-Lincoln faced Los Fresnos earlier this season at the Hidalgo Tournament and played to a 1-1 tie. The Huskies have yet to see the Jaguars in action.
“We plan on being out there to watch the game,” Huskies coach Victor Ramos said. “If we have an opportunity to flip after the game, we will flip. However, we’re excited for our next challenge. We have yet to see Economedes, so we’re excited to see what challenges they may present.”
“Every playoff game is tough. Tonight was a challenge for us, especially with the wind. We knew we had to take advantage of every opportunity we got,” Ramos said. “We had some opportunities in the first half that we capitalized on, and we missed a few, but we were able to put together a complete game.”
The Huskies have made the playoffs for nine straight seasons. Tonight’s win marks the second time in three years the Huskies have eliminated the Panthers. Their last playoff matchup came two years ago, with the Huskies winning 4-3. Juarez-Lincoln would follow that win with a run to the Sweet 16, losing to eventual state champion Brownsville Rivera.
Last season, the Huskies defeated Laredo United and Rivera before falling to Brownsville Lopez in the third round.
“Every year is different. It’s a new team and a new season,” Ramos said. “The entire Valley is tough, and we need to play our best, especially this time of year. We have a good program. We’re hoping our experience will help the younger guys during this year’s playoff run.”
Juarez-Lincoln wasted no time and used an aggressive approach offensively. Juan Hernandez gave the Huskies a 1-0 lead in the 32nd minute of the first half.
The Huskies fought off the gusty winds and laced in a second goal, this time off the foot of Gerardo Reyes, to make the score 2-0 late in the first half.
Ernesto Salinas put the game on ice for the Huskies, giving them a 3-0 lead. All the while, Juarez-Lincoln kept United South out of the net.
Juarez-Lincoln relies on its passing attack, but Thursday night’s wind did not seem to faze the Huskies.
“The wind was tough today,” Ramos said. “We like to pass the ball and set up our offense, and it was difficult for us tonight. But hey, at this level, that is not an excuse. The kids know that.”