By CONSTANCIO MARTINEZ, JR.
Special to the PRESS
On Monday, Feb. 3, the (4-4) Port Isabel Tarpons hosted the (9-2-1) IDEA Frontier College Prep Chargers in a crucial district matchup. Frontier entered the game riding a five-game win streak, including four shutout
wins. They were ranked 140th on MaxPreps Texas soccer rankings. Meanwhile, the Tarpons were sporting a 3-2 record over the same span and entered the game ranked 469th.
Although the Tarpons lost their previous game, a 2-1 overtime loss to IDEA Riverview, they were not backing down from the challenge the Chargers presented.
After a long hard-fought game, the Tarpons emerged victorious, securing a 1-0 win. Joaquin Leon scored the lone goal of the game and goalkeeper Luis Ulloa had a great night defending. He now has over 30 saves in the
season. The upset win leaves Port Isabel and Frontier tied for first place in the district standings, with both teams sporting 4-1 district records.
In the previous week, the Tarpons had a big 10-1 win over the IDEA Sports Park Stingrays in the district’s home opener.
The Stingrays looked for their first goal at the two-minute mark but were repelled by PI’s goalie, Ulloa. The Tarpons penetrated the Stingray’s defense, securing a couple of corner kicks before PI’s Dominic Acosta
kicked the ball past the goalkeeper’s hand for the Tarpons’ first score.
A few minutes later, a pass from Acosta to Leon led to another Tarpon score. The Stingrays displayed determination and swiftly advanced the ball, but the Tarpons defense continued to hold firm. Port Isabel’s Daniel Childress, Angel Mendez (three goals), Julio Cortez and Leon all went on to score goals in the first half to give PI an 8-0 lead.
In the second half, PI’s Ulloa was relieved as a goalkeeper, rotated in to play on offense, and had his first goal of the season. Not long after, Acosta scored his second goal to give PI a 10-0 lead.
The Tarpons will be on the road for their upcoming game when they take on Brownsville Jubilee this Friday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m.
Comments