NATHANIEL MATA | STAFF WRITER
SAN ANTONIO — Many of the La Joya Juarez-Lincoln Huskies sat on the grass at Blossom Athletic Center for an extended period of time after they were eliminated from the playoffs by the San Antonio Reagan Rattlers on Friday.
Some held their heads in their hands. Some covered their faces. Others stared off into space until the team huddled to break as a group for the last time this season.
The Huskies didn’t want a mistake to end their stellar 2018 campaign, but they couldn’t overcome two mishaps in a 2-0 loss to the Rattlers in the Class 6A Region IV semifinal.
Veteran Juarez-Lincoln coach Victor Ramos said he was happy with his team’s play, knowing some days the game of inches keeps the ball out.
“The kids played really well,” Ramos said. “We created opportunities. We couldn’t score. I think we hit the post twice. They saved like two or three goals at the line. It’s just the way it is sometimes. Soccer is like that. Sometimes you put it in. Sometimes you just can’t.”
Juarez-Lincoln was one of the best teams at putting the ball in the net during the regular season and had scored 19 goals in three rounds of playoff action entering Friday.
The goals didn’t carry over to the regional semifinals, but the chances did.
The Huskies sent plenty of balls forward for lanky senior Gerardo Reyes, but Reagan committed two defenders to marking the prolific goal scorer.
Even with extra attention, Reyes launched many shots. Three of his attempts required Reagan keeper Eugene Albo to make diving saves. Another pair banged off the upright.
The Huskies made one too many passes in front of their own net, giving the Rattlers an open look at the goal. Alex Salgado was calm as he scored past Juarez-Lincoln keeper Christopher Banda.
Reagan coach Gilbert Villarreal said that he trusted his goaltender and the defenders around him, even if it took some fortune to preserve a clean sheet.
“We believe in our goalie. We believe in our defense. Our two center backs that have played great all year,” Villarreal said. “Sometimes, you have to get a little lucky. They hit the post two or three times. Our keeper was there. I felt that. But you know, sometimes that’s what it takes. We took our chances, and in the game of soccer, that’s the most important thing.”
As the second half kicked off, the Huskies continued to control possession and knock on the door in search of an opening tally.
Manuel Castrejon had a chance when he broke loose with 26:15 to play, but his shot was right on goal and easy for Albo to handle.
Most of the Huskies had great looks at the net in the second half, but the dying moments were filled with screaming shots whizzing by the post or over the crossbar.
Juarez-Lincoln’s Banda and defender Lauro Alvarez combined for two desperation saves to keep the game 1-0.
Reagan scored again on a similar goal to the first tally, capitalizing on a turnover. This time, Miguel Leyva scored to put the game out of reach.
Juarez-Lincoln will graduate key pieces including Castrejon, Reyes and Leo Pruneda. Ramos was happy to reflect on the career and run the senior class achieved.
“It’s not only this game, it’s throughout the season,” Ramos said. “It was an honor being with them. They’ve been with me, most of them, four years. I’m very proud of being part of this group. Every year, they give me their best — their effort, their sacrifices.”
As the Huskies run at a return trip to the state tournament was halted, Ramos said his time with his team was priceless.
“Of course, the score means a lot, because you go to the next round,” Ramos said. “But just being with them for so long, that’s the most important thing.”