SB falls in bi-district round

(Courtesy photo/Albert Villegas)

By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS

EDINBURG, TEXAS —The San Benito Greyhounds’ soccer season came to an end following a 6-3 playoff loss to the Edinburg Economedes Jaguars last Friday.

There was no quit in the ‘Hounds’ bi-district match played at Economedes High School.

Despite trailing by three goals at the half, San Benito fans and cheerleaders saw the team claw to make the match competitive. The ‘Hounds’ scoring opportunities came through hustle and physical play.

Head Coach William Huerta told his players at halftime that the score was not indicative of what led the team to advance to the postseason.

They finished District 32-6A in fourth place, recently earning one of the more memorable victories on the road at Brownsville Veterans Memorial High School.

This time, against Economedes, Huerta challenged the ‘Hounds to perform better and compete against an opposing team that had collected more than 20 wins this season.

The wind direction also had a huge impact on the match as the ‘Hounds’ second half goals were scored with the wind in their direction rather than against them.

San Benito’s first goal came in the 40th minute off a corner kick that sophomore Francisco Barrientos headed.

San Benito provided more offensive pressure than in the first half. A trio of free kicks at various times from the midline landed directly in the Economedes goalie’s hands instead of an awaiting forward or midfielder.

Wind or no wind, Economedes proved it had enough offensive tools to pressure San Benito goalies Francisco Garcia, and later in the second half, William Montoya as it took a 5-1 lead by minute 51.

San Benito’s second and third goals were earned off penalty kicks. Barrientos nabbed his second score followed by Modesto Cortinas goal to close out all scoring.

San Benito ended its season with an 8-10-2 record.

District 32-6A foes who also competed in the first round and won were Harlingen (beat Edinburg North), Los Fresnos (beat Weslaco), and Brownsville Veterans Memorial (beat La Joya).