By ROY HESS, Staff Writer
All Porter all the time.
That’s the way it’s gone in District 32-5A soccer for the Cowboys this season.
Friday at Pace was no exception, as district leader Porter remained undefeated in district play with a 1-0 victory against the second-place Vikings.
It was another prime example of an intense city rivalry soccer match played before a standing-room-only crowd.
A goal by Jose Pardillo on a header following a corner kick from the left side with three minutes to go in the first half wound up being the difference.
The win clinched at least a tie for the 32-5A title for Porter (11-0, 33 points).
Still, the Cowboys want much more.
“We’re taking it one game at a time so we can reach our goal, which the same goal of every Brownsville team, and every team in the Valley, actually,” said Porter coach Jose Espitia, whose squad already has secured a playoff spot. “We want to make it to state and do well. That’s our main goal.
“I want to say that I’m very impressed with our guys. It’s their drive, their discipline and their focus this season. There’s a lot of chemistry and team unity with this group. I’m proud of them. I hope we keep up the good work.”
Despite the loss, Pace (8-3, 24 points) remains in second place in the district. If there was any consolation for the Vikings on Friday, it’s that they appear to have definitely improved through the course of 32-5A competition since last month when they lost 6-2 at Porter during the first round of district.
On this particular night, Pardillo, a junior forward, was the one who sent the Porter Nation home smiling.
Daniel Briseno took the corner kick for Porter from the left side. The ball carried over to the far right post, where Pardillo was perfectly situated to head it in for the only score the Cowboys needed.
“I’m proud and very happy (to score that goal),” Pardillo said. “The team is working hard and the (winning) results are coming out. Pace pressured us, but we were able to come out winners. We’re very happy with the victory.
“We just need to continue staying humble and working hard to reach our goal,” he added.