EDINBURG — With his team up 2-0 late in the game, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln Huskies midfielder Alan Zaleta wound up and unleashed a shot from 45 yards. All eyes turned to the ball as it floated through the air before finding its way into the net.
The goal, Zaleta’s second of the night, was the final statement of the night as the Huskies cruised to a dominating 3-0 victory over the Edinburg North Cougars on Friday at Richard R. Flores Stadium.
The Huskies opened the game looking to attack the stingy Edinburg North defense. With all 10 Cougars playing back, the Huskies had a hard time getting through early.
Zaleta finally broke free, scoring his first goal of the match with 22:05 remaining in the first half as he fired a shot from 25 yards out that was swatted away by the Cougars’ goalkeeper.
Moments later, Zaleta earned redemption. After receiving a pass from the corner, Zaleta maneuvered his way around the Edinburg North defense to create space before delivering a strike to give his team a 1-0 lead.
Six minutes later, the Huskies scored again as Marco Veliz curved a shot over the goalkeeper for a 2-0 advantage going into the break.
The Cougars moved away from their defensive game plan and went on the attack during the second half. With 30:54 left in the match, Axel Saenz, the District 31-6A leading scorer, outran the Huskies defense with only the goalkeeper to beat. Huskies goalkeeper Bryan Martinez dove and blocked Saenz’s shot to save the shutout. It was Martinez’s second big save of the night to preserve the shutout.
The Huskies have won six straight games since their season-opening tie with the Edinburg High Bobcats. During the win streak, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln has been anchored by its defense, having allowed only one goal.
“We have been consistent with practices,” Huskies head coach Victor Ramos said. “The guys have been getting to know more of each other on the field and getting confidence, as well.”
The Huskies sit alone atop the District 31-6A standings at the end of the first round play as they seek to capture their fifth straight district crown. Sitting closely behind La Joya Juarez-Lincoln is Edinburg High.
“We knew that this game was very crucial for us to allow us to distance ourselves from Edinburg High who is right behind us,” Ramos said. “It’s also crucial to be close to the fifth consecutive district title.”
The Huskies (6-0-1) travel to Edinburg High at 8 p.m. Tuesday. The Cougars (4-2-2) will crosstown rival Edinburg Economedes, also at 8 p.m. Tuesday.