Corpus Christi Veterans outscored McAllen Memorial 4-2 in penalty kicks en route to a 2-1 win after two sessions of overtime at McAllen Memorial to advance to the next round of the girls UIL Class 5A playoffs.
The Mustangs, the fourth seed from District 31-5A, found the back of the net first when Mia Honrubia scored midway through the first half. Corpus Christi’s Karina Nunez tied the scored later during the first half and the game remained tied at 1 throughout regulation and extra time.
“I’m thankful to get to have a season, thankful we were able to go to the playoffs and thankful we made it as far as we did,” McAllen Memorial coach Matthew Kaiser said. “COVID made everything about this year unknown, so I am thankful for all the opportunities the girls were given and their efforts to do their best with some challenging circumstances this year.”
Corpus Christi’s Victoria Torres had the winning kick during penalties.
Veterans improved to 15-2-2 on the year, while Memorial finished its season at 11-9. Veterans will play McAllen High in the regional quarterfinals, with details to be determined later.
McALLEN HIGH 7, VICTORIA WEST 1: At Corpus Christi, McHi jumped out to a 4-0 lead before Victoria West got on the board with a long goal and the Bulldogs claimed their 20th straight victory.
The Bulldogs, ranked as high as No. 4 in the state according to the Texas Girls Coaches Association, was playing without starter Brianna Claudio, who injured her ACL. The game started about 45 minutes late, but it didn’t take too much time before McHi scored twice.
Bailey Huston, Chloe Fallek, Haley Nixon and Mallory Henderson all scored during the first half for McHi.
Mia Reyna scored to begin the second half, followed by Henderson’s second goal to blow the game open, and one from Emma Wilkins to close the scoring.
McAllen High will play Corpus Christi Veterans, which defeated McAllen Memorial on Tuesday, in the regional quarterfinals with details to come later.
GREGORY-PORTLAND 3, McALLEN ROWE 0: At Portland, McAllen Rowe ended its season at 20-5-1, after being shut out by the Wildcats, who won their 19th straight game and improved to 26-2 heading into the third round.
“This season was very rewarding for all of us,” Rowe head coach John Martinez said. “By far, one of the most difficult seasons to navigate through. Playing in such a tough district, injuries, maintaining eligibility, all while the threat of COVID over our heads. I couldn’t be more proud of them and what they accomplished this year.
“We’re going to process this season the next few days and get back out on the field come Monday.”
Gregory-Portland, which has outscored its opponents 10-0 in the first two rounds, will play Corpus Christi Flour Bluff, which beat Sharyland High 1-0 on Monday, in the regional quarterfinals.
EDINBURG VELA 4, SAN ANTONIO TAFT 3: At Alice, Odessa Leal broke a 3-3 tie with about 16 minutes remaining to send the SaberCats to the regional quarterfinals. They will play Northside Brennan, which beat Harlingen High, with details to come later.
Taylor Campbell scored two goals and Natalia Cortez also scored for Edinburg Vela.
The SaberCats improved to 18-0-1 while Taft fell to 16-5-1.
Campbell now has 177 career goals. She scored the first goal to make it 1-0 and then tied it at 3 during the second half with her other goal.
“It was definitely a battle tonight, but we were prepared for it,” Campbell said. “This was, I think, our toughest game we have played all season and we held up extremely well.
“We know the teams are going to get harder from here on out, but mentally and physically we are ready for it.”
DONNA NORTH 2, SAN ANTONIO O’CONNOR 1 (in PKs): At Corpus Christi, Donna North set up a third match with District 32-6A foe Los Fresnos in the regional quarterfinals after dispatching of San Antonio O’Connor.
The Chiefs split two games during the district season, losing 2-1 the first time before bouncing back to win the second 4-3.
Nancy Espino scored for Donna North and the Chiefs then sealed the match in penalty kicks.
Information on their next game will be decided at a later time.