By ROY HESS, Staff Writer
BROWNSVILLE — Beating a Brownsville boys soccer team in Brownsville brought tears to the eyes of PSJA North coach Jacob Hinojosa.
Juan Rodriguez scored one goal during each half to lead the Raiders over Brownsville Lopez 2-1 in their Class 6A bi-district playoff match Thursday at Sams Memorial Stadium.
“Look at these tears,” Hinojosa said following the game. “I remember three or four years ago when Lopez beat us in overtime at our field. It was our first time in the playoffs, and I’ve been waiting for this shot. I still have flashbacks of that game, and I prayed that one day we’d get a chance (to play Lopez again).
“My hat is off to Brownsville because they’re all great (soccer) schools here. We have a lot of respect for them, and Lopez is a team of legacy with a lot of history (of success). We just want a little respect for our school and the other end of the Valley as well.”
Seven minutes into the match, Rodriguez gave the District 31-6A runner-up Raiders a 1-0 advantage. Then, with five-and-a-half minutes expired in the second half, Rodriguez tallied again to make it 2-0 on a close shot from near the left post that found its way into the net.
Also during the second half, PSJA North had an apparent goal waved off.
The District 32-6A third-place Lobos staged a furious comeback attempt and narrowed the lead to 2-1 on a goal by Eloy Lozoya nine minutes into the second half, but never came closer. Lopez’s Feliz Nava had a shot go off the right post with 20 minutes left.
It was the earliest exit from the playoffs in recent memory for the Lobos, who advanced to the state tournament last season.
“We had opportunities, but the ball wouldn’t go in,” Lobos coach Amadeo Escandon said. “There were quite a few chances, but we just couldn’t capitalize on them. A lot times, the ball just rolled from side to side (in front of the goal) and no one was there just to tap it in.
“It’s one of those unfortunate situations.”
As evidence of the fierce competition, the Raiders lost a player to a red card with 2:38 remaining.
The Raiders, who reached the third round of the playoffs last season, now advance to the area playoffs early next week and will go up against McAllen High or Laredo United.