(Courtesy photo/PIECHS)
By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
Special to the PRESS
This past Thursday, January 4, the Port Isabel Tarpons boys’ soccer team competed in the Santa Maria Cougars soccer tournament. Featuring only juniors and sophomores, the young Tarpons’ squad entered the tournament on a mission to redeem themselves after losing the season’s first two games.
In their first game, the Tarpons got off to a good start as they defeated district foe the Rio Hondo Bobcats 4-0 behind the exceptional play of forwards Daniel Childress, Anthony “Tony” Garcia and Dominic “Panama” Acosta.
In their second game, Port Isabel’s teamwork was on full display as the Tarpons defeated the IDEA Weslaco Pike Mavericks 3-0. Leading the offensive charge were Derek Herrera and Acosta. Key to the win was the play of midfielders Oscar Arona, Daniel Childress, Joaquin Leon Pena and Julio Cortez whose smooth passing and coordinated play dictated the game’s pace and created opportunities for the forwards.
On day two of the tournament, the Tarpons had a setback as they lost to the La Feria Lions 3-2 in a back-and-forth game. In the second game of the day, Port Isabel faced off against another district foe, the IDEA Sports Park Stingrays. The Tarpons offense attempted several attacks but were unable to score. Fortunately, the Tarpons’ defense held firm as the game finished in a draw.
The Tarpons were matched up in bracket play with the undefeated IDEA Frontier Chargers. As both teams’ offenses pushed forward, their defenses held firm in bend-but-don’t-break efforts. The teams found themselves in a 0-0 stalemate when the first half ended. As the game was nearing its conclusion, PI’s Pena found the back of the net on a penalty kick as the Tarpons clinched a 1-0 win.
The Tarpons were matched up in the Championship game with the IDEA Quest Trailblazers. The teams were already familiar with each other since the Trailblazers spoiled the Tarpons’ home opener a few days earlier, beating the Tarpons 2-1.
It turned out to be a grueling game as the Tarpons faced a formidable opponent and dealt with severe fatigue, yet the resilient Tarpons pushed forward.
As the first half concluded, PI’s Arona set up the ball for Acosta, who then secured the Tarpons’ first goal. Not satisfied being up 1-0, PI’s Garcia made a move towards the goal, but was fouled. Leon then scored on the penalty kick as the Tarpons took a 2-0 lead at halftime.
The Trailblazers scored off a free kick in the second half but still trailed 2-1. The Tarpons’ defense held the Trailblazers scoreless for the remainder of the game as Port Isabel clinched the championship trophy. PI goalkeeper Luis Ulloa (soph) had another excellent game, securing nine saves on ten shots on goal.
PI head coach Cris Ortiz was thrilled with his team’s performance at the tournament. “Winning this tournament means a lot to us and we’re very grateful to have the opportunity to play here. I’m very proud of our boys for what they’ve just accomplished and seeing them bounce back and persevere makes me happy for them. I believe that now they can see what I see in them, and so will other schools.” Said coach Ortiz. “We have faced many great players and teams together, and we want to be contenders for district titles and playoff runs, too. So, we’ll keep working hard, and when the district games commence, we will give it our all.”
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