NATHANIEL MATA |THE MONITOR
MISSION — After 40 minutes of probing for a breakthrough, the Mission boys soccer tournament was decided on penalties. Sharyland High edged PSJA Memorial 6-5 in penalty kicks after a scoreless regulation.
Three of the tournament’s four quarterfinal matches went to penalties after 0-0 contests, setting the tone for the careful, meticulous game that top teams are able to play.
Sharyland goalkeeper Gabriel Tamez saved the third of seven attempts and watched the final kick hit the crossbar and sail away to secure the win for the Rattlers.
Even though many don’t want to see the game to decided on penalties, Tamez enjoys the challenge and likes his chances.
“Most probably wouldn’t like that, but I like that kind of game, because it really brings out the best in a goalkeeper,” Tamez said. “It shows who can really compete, and it just separates you among the rest.”
Tamez and his team were proud to come out of mainly Class 6A competition as the champions, especially when remembering the quality of teams in their district, 31-5A.
“It feels great to come out on top. All these teams are great teams,” Tamez said. “Us and one more 5A, I believe, the only smaller schools out here. Knowing that we can compete with the bigger schools helps a lot. ”
PSJA Memorial spent a fair amount of time trying to force the ball onto the foot of Americo Acosta, the team’s speedy forward. Even though his runs had the potential to be dangerous, passes rarely penetrated a stingy Sharyland back line.
Rattlers defenders were mistake-free even under pressure, dribbling the ball to safety or clearing it out of their final third. The Wolverines couldn’t even boast a quality chance.
Sharyland had only slightly more success on the attack. The Rattlers best chance came when Argelio Bentancourt broke loose on the right sideline and took his run all the way down inside the 6-yard box. He had a man available for the cross, but he surprised the keeper with a low shot. The Wolverines’ Rudy De Leon threw a leg out and saved the best chance of the match.
Sharyland also had two golden chances on set pieces. The Rattlers managed to find the head of their tallest player, Jesus Flores, but his tries were just wide.
PSJA Memorial coach Alex Cruz was pleasantly surprised with his team’s play. He admitted there was worry coming into the season after losing a large group of 12 seniors from last year’s squad.
“I’m just filling in with freshman and sophomores,” Cruz said. “We’re a young team. We’re trying to experience new things with this new group, and it seems to be working. The kids need to address what I’m trying to teach them. They’re adjusting to the system, but they did a good job in this tournament.”
Sharyland bench boss Rev Hernandez was also rather stoic after the win, looking forward to a difficult schedule ahead.
“It’s just the mission statement for the season,” Hernandez said. “I know that everybody takes it like that, just a practice for what’s coming. … What’s important is district and the postseason.”
Hernandez also has an inexperienced team that boasts only a handful of seniors, followed by a bevy of younger talent that may learn some things the hard way.
“It’s a very young team. We have four or five seniors. That’s it,” Hernandez said. “We need the size and mature bodies, but we have kids with a lot of heart — a lot of desire.”
ELSEWHERE
La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, a Class 6A state qualifier last season, earned a win against Grand Prairie in the North Texas Elite Showcase Tournament but fell to host and the Texas Association of Soccer Coaches’ No. 1 ranked team in the state, Coppell.
Progreso, another regional winner last season, also traveled north to compete against some of the state’s best. The Red Ants return without a win but shared the field with powerhouses from the greater Houston area Spring Branch Northbrook, Cypress Ranch, Houston Bellaire and Cypress Woods.