WESLACO — Harlingen South’s defense bent but didn’t break Friday night against McAllen High in a 1-0 Class 6A area-round playoff match victory.
The Lady Bulldogs’ offense attacked in waves but it was Monica Quintana who came through for the Lady Hawks in a big way, heading in the game-winning goal with 19 minutes left on the clock.
However, it almost didn’t happen.
Seconds prior to the goal, the senior dribbled past three McHi defenders inside the box before moving past the oncoming goalkeeper. With nothing but the post to beat, Quintana stumbled as she watched her shot hit the post and bounce out.
After a scramble in the box, a South teammate came up with ball and crossed it back to her, and this time Quintana didn’t let her second opportunity go to waste.
“Our girls played well tonight,” said a jubilant Harlingen South head Omar Pedroza. “We staying in there and played well and now we have a game on Tuesday.
“Everybody had to play well today and did a fantastic job considering the fact that we couldn’t sub a whole lot. If we can play another 80 minutes like that against Los Fresnos we have a chance.”
With the victory, the Lady Hawks will face District 32-6A rival Los Fresnos on Tuesday in the regional quarterfinals. The match is set for 6:30 p.m. at Leo Aguilar Memorial Stadium in Los Fresnos.