By CARLOS GONZALES
MERCEDES – The Port Isabel Tarpon varsity boys’ soccer squad traveled to Mercedes Thursday where the two teams faced off in a Class 4A Bi-District playoff game.
Both teams relied heavily on their defensive efforts the entire game, but it did eventually lead to a shoot-out in which the Mercedes Tigers edged the Tarpons with a final score of 2-1.
With neither team giving up a goal, by halftime the score remained at a 0-0 tie, and it remained this way until the final minutes of the game.
With about seven minutes left in the match, Jesus Martinez was finally able to put in the first goal all night and gave the Port Isabel Tarpons the lead, 1-0. The Tarpons switched their game play to a more defensive look to keep the lead alive. But with 1:50 left of play Mercedes answered Port Isabel with a goal of its own, tying the game and now going into overtime.
Heading into the extra period, both teams seemed to take a more offensive approach and fought hard to keep their chances alive. Fatigue also struck both teams as the game was stopped numerous times due to injuries and exhaustion. During these timeouts were the only times the players could catch their breath and get a little hydrated.
For more on this story, pick up a copy of the Mar. 28 edition of the Port Isabel South Padre Press or check out our E-edition by clicking here.
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