By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
Del Rio’s boys soccer team picked up some valuable points in the district standings this week but just missed out on staying unbeaten in 30-6A.
The Rams lost to Laredo United in a marathon shootout Tuesday, but then bounced back to beat Laredo Nixon Friday night.
Those results gave the Rams four points and ups Del Rio’s total in district to seven points.
Against United, the Rams and Longhorns ended regulation tied at 2-2 thanks to goals from Cesar Piña and Demian Fernandez. The draw meant both teams would automatically earn a point, but there was still the matter of the shootout to decide which team would earn three points for the win.
United managed to outlast Del Rio, 11-10, in penalty kicks to earn the win. Del Rio got goals from Alfain Peñaloza, Fernandez, Ely Losoya, Luis Octavio Villarreal, Angel Espinoza, Antonio Rodriguez, Piña, Joshua Renteria, Roberto Garza and Raymundo Rivera.
The Rams struck first against Nixon, scoring their first goal less than eight minutes into the match.
Del Rio was awarded a corner kick and sent the ball across the front of the goal and near the back post. The ball skirted towards the sideline, but the Rams’ Hector Trujillo was able to get control of it, made a short run at the goal and beat the Mustangs goalie from a curling shot to the left side of the net, making it 1-0.
Nearly 10 minutes later Nixon was able to tie the match as the Rams were unable to clear the ball from near their own goal. The Mustangs were able to center the ball and score on an empty net to tie the match at 1-1.
That play resulted in the Rams coaches pulling Del Rio’s starting goalie and inserting Espinoza. Espinoza would finish the match without allowing a goal, keeping Del Rio in the contest.
With 8:29 left in the half, Del Rio reclaimed the lead for good as Roberto Garcia took advantage of turnover by Nixon on its side of the field. He made a run on the goal and then fired a booming line drive that was too much for the Mustangs goalie to handle as it bounced off his hands and into the net to put the Rams ahead 2-1.
Nixon tried to net the equalizer shortly after Garcia’s goal, but Espinoza was up to the task and kept the ball out of the goal.
The 2-1 score held up as the final.
Del Rio is scheduled to travel to Laredo Tuesday to face the Alexander Bulldogs at Krueger Field at 7:30 p.m.
The Rams’ next home match is set for Saturday, Feb. 19, when Del Rio hosts the Laredo United South Panthers at 1 p.m. at Walter Levermann Ram Stadium.
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Contact the author at drnhsports@gmail.com
