By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ JR.
The 2023-2024 Port Isabel Tarpons boys’ soccer team wrapped up their season with a 16-7-2 overall and 10-4 district record. The team finished second in the district standings behind district 32-4A champions (12-2) Jubilee Brownsville. The season marked the first time the Tarpons qualified for the playoffs since the 2019 season. Unfortunately, they lost their Bi-District matchup versus the IDEA College Prep Blazers.
This season, the Tarpons offense took it up a notch in accuracy and overall effectiveness. The team easily surpassed last year’s 32 team goals by scoring 69 goals this year and one of the reasons for the improvement was the play of junior, Anthony “Tony” Garcia. The 6’-3” forward completed his third year on the soccer team and finished the season with 19 goals scored, the most for the team.
Garcia was selected as the district’s Offensive Most Valuable Player. Head soccer coach, Cris Ortiz credited Garcia’s performance to his “speed and heart” which gave him an advantage even against the best defenders.
Junior, Dominic “Panama” Acosta was one of the key strikers on the team and was selected 1st Team All-District Forward. Adept at attacking the net, Acosta finished the season with 13 goals scored. His 37 points scored was only second to Garcia who led the team with 40 points scored. Acosta also contributed with his 46 steals.
Head Captain and 3-year starting forward Joaquin Leon** was selected as 1st Team All-District Mid Field. Leon contributed in both attacks and on defense. He finished the season third on the team in goals scored (12) and steals (85). Head soccer coach, Cris Ortiz, stated that Leon, along with co-captains Edward Sanchez Jr and Luis Ulloa, are “the heart of the team and have led by example by making big plays in big games and battling through adversity.”
“They have enough experience to remain calm and competitive during the most intense games. They are the types of players that can change the momentum of a game and bring the best out of their teammates,” added Ortiz.
Earning 2nd Team All-District Midfield honors was junior, Daniel Childress**. He led the team in steals with 104 and contributed with six goals scored.
The team also featured the district’s Defensive MVP in junior, Angel Lara. As a crucial defensive sweeper, Lara was the last line of defense as he played beside the goalkeeper. He finished the season with 69 steals for the year. Coach Ortiz attributes Lara’s “tenacity and physicality” and often making his presence known on the field.
Co-Captain sophomore Luis Ulloa earned 1st Team All-District Goalie honors. The coaches had enough confidence in the young player to give him the crucial starting role as goalkeeper as a freshman. This would be a heavy burden for most, but the young goalie responded with a great season. He finished the season with only 17 goals against on 65 shots on goal with 103 saves.
Ulloa contributed the success of the team to not only his increased maturity, but the rest of the team as well. “I feel that this season has been the greatest season so far. We’ve improved so much since last year physically and mentally. As a team we have more chemistry together, communicating more than we did last season and that’s something I’m very proud about,” said Ulloa.
Earning 2nd Team Defense were Edward Sanchez and Alan Zavala. Honorable Mention awards go to Oscar Arona**, Julio Cortez**, Brian Cinfuegos and Derrek Herrera. (**All-Academic honors).
Although the team had an early exit in the playoffs, coach Ortiz believes the best is yet to come.
“This season has been nothing short of spectacular, and it was a shame to see their playoff run cut short. Our district opponents know just as well as I do, that without losing any seniors our team has the opportunity to improve on this past season.” Said Coach Ortiz. “We’re expected to be good next year but no one is going to let us win. This team has to take full advantage of the off season to get stronger, faster, recover and reflect on everything that they need to do to get the job done.”
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