The soccer guru will be valiantly braving the elements and the enormous distances to cover the 2012
Border Olympics Girls Soccer Tournament on January 12-January 14. This year's Border Olympics has all
the seven local high schools and nine out-of-town high schools take part in one of the region's premier
soccer tournament. The soccer venues for this year will be the always impressive William Johnson
Student Activity Center(SAC), the iconic Memorial Field and the newly renovated and historical Shirley
Field.
The soccer guru has been hard at work over the last few weeks covering and analyzing all the local teams. The
soccer guru has been to the local teams' tryouts, their practice sessions, has sat down in their team meetings ,has
talked to their coaching staffs and has seen the teams in their local and out-of-town scrimmages. The soccer guru
does all this so the soccer guru can give the Laredo soccer community an educated and very opiniated insight into
how the local teams will fare in this year's Border Olympics tournament. So this is a quick mini-preview on how the
local teams stand as of right now.
ALEXANDER LADY BULLDOGS:
The Alexander Lady Bulldogs are a very young and inexperienced all-around team this year. They graduated most
their starters last year so this is a rebuilding year. They will have a lot of growing pains and will take their knockdowns
starting with this tournament. They have a lot of new faces all over the field positions so all that unfamiliarity will
eventually catch up to you. The Lady Bulldogs also have been bitten by the injury bug as several key players have
been out of action for some time. The positive out of all this is that they do have a lot of energy ,team chemistry and
have a stable foundation on which to build on. Coach Charlie Gonzalez's style of coaching is very positive and
extremely energetic. You can bet that Coach Gonzalez will get the most out of the team game after game even in
those early tough losses to bounce back. The Lady Bulldogs will have to depend a lot on the leadership and
experience of junior defender/midfielder Georgette Galvan and Samantha Gonzalez as well as sophomore midfielder
phenom Selina Avila. The Lady Bulldogs first matchup against the Martin Lady Tigers will be a tough test as the Lady
Tigers have a lot of speed. Their other two opponents in Brownsville Hanna and Valley View are always favorites to
make waves here in the Border Olympics as the valley teams always pose lots of problems for any Laredo team. The
Lady Bulldogs will struggle early but will be in a better position come district play.
CIGARROA LADY TOROS:
The Cigarroa Lady Toros have started on the right foot this new year. The Lady Toros have a new and exciting head
coach in Roger Garcia. This coaching change has brought not only a new attitude but a great workout ethic for the
team. The Lady Toros ,who struggled mightily last year, seem to have used all that vented up anger and emotion
from last year to motivate their entire team to new heights so far. They have scored more goals in the pre-season
scrimmages than all of last year while limiting goals allowed as well. The Lady Toros have gotten quicker at all
positions and have also gotten more physical with their team defensive schemes. The return of junior goalkeeper Isis
Adame also gives the Lady Toros stability in goal. The play of the sister tandems of Edith/Karla Rodriguez and
Jessica/Mayra Vargas has all four players playing multiple positions throughout the game as all four possess
speed,creativity and tenacity. The Lady Toros first match-up will be against south Laredo rival United South as the
Lady Panthers have a little more team creativity on the offensive end. The Lady Toros can surprise the Lady
Panthers if they stay their defensive shape and are discipline in their attack. The other two games has the Lady
Toros play against Brownsville Porter and last year's tournament finalist Edinburg North. Both valley teams are
extremely talented as the Lady Toros will have their hands and feet full as they will struggle with these powerhouse
teams. The Lady Toros need to learn from all these games early on so they can incorporate the lessons they learned
come district play to hopefully surprise a couple of teams.
The Martin Tigers
MARTIN LADY TIGERS:
The Martin Lady Tigers were last year's tournament Cinderella story as they took the tourney by storm to a 4th place
finish and look poised to return to the playoffs this year after a long hiatus. The Lady Tigers were knocked out of the
playoff hunt last year by the Alexander Lady Bulldogs in the final stages of district play. You can bet that being that
close and not getting motivates this year's Lady Tigers team. What the Lady Tigers lack in numbers and bench depth
they more than make up for it with their stellar play at several positions by their starters. Second year Head Coach
Sandra Alcorta has the Lady Tigers already in season mode after all the off-season and pre-season conditioning.
Coach Alcorta has also made the Lady Tigers aware that they need to trust and believe in each other if they are to
succeed and this team BELIEVES with a Tebow-like faith that they can succeed. The Lady Tigers have a rising young
superstar in junior goalkeeper Alma Martinez. The Lady Tigers defense has been slowed by injury but will be at full
strength and ready as all four starters in tenacious Mayra Ramirez, fast-footed Ashley Quintanilla, physically tough
Mayra Muniz and the soccer smart Valeria Aguirre will slow any offense in the Border Olympics. The midfield play of
the creative junior Jassel Ruiz and versatile and extremely fast senior Damaris Gamas has impressed the soccer guru
on how well they have adapted to their new roles. The true talent of the Lady Tigers is the play of their forwards
senior Norma Herrera and junior Analee Chavarria. Both have multiple goal games in the pre-season and don't look
to slow down come this tourney. Both possess speed, ball control and creativity but it's Herrera's passing and
Chavarria's 2nd gear sprint that outmatches their opponents to make believers even out of doubters. You can bet
that revenge will definitely be on the Lady Tigers minds when they face the Alexander Lady Bulldogs in their first
match up for the tournament. The Lady Tigers have two tough games against Valley View and Brownsville Hanna but
the Lady Tigers offense can score in bunches. Can the starting 11 maintain the hectic pace or will injury and fatigue
de-rail their hopes to get to the second stage of the tournament and district play? Can someone from the bench step
up and contribute effectively? Stay tuned as the show will be very exciting.
NIXON LADY MUSTANGS:
The Nixon Lady Mustangs have made great strides from last year's last place district finish. The Lady Mustangs have
improved on their conditioning, their team play and their speed. The Lady Mustangs never got negative or down on
themselves last year and all that positiveness exudes in their play. The Lady Mustangs fight every possession and
leave it all on the field. Nixon Head Coach Gris Quijano has the team heading in the right direction as the Border
Olympics tourney is about to start. Coach Quijano has had a year to evaluate her team and has them playing
effectively in their team formations. The goalkeeping duties have fallen on sophomore Diana Shakira Morales who is
new to the goalkeeping position but makes up for her lack of experience with athleticism and instinct. The defense is
controlled by sophomores Regan Leza and Marisol Amozorrutia who are aggressive on their side of the field. The
midfield has improved as senior Lupita Perez, sophomore Azeneth Ibarra and returning utility player Glenda
Stendabach have made it a habit to pressure as the ball crosses midfield. The real surprise of the Lady Mustangs is
the forward play of sophomore scoring sensation Yahaira Lara. She has excellent ball control and will go full speed
without fear of contact impressing the soccer guru enough to say that she is the future of the Nixon Lady Mustangs.
The Lady Mustangs have an extremely tough test early in the tournament as they take on one of the district favorite
in the United Lady Longhorns. The Lady Mustangs will Be stretched thin as the Lady Longhorns have lots of speed
and talent throughout their ranks. The Lady Mustangs need to play a near perfect game if they are to beat United
which is hard but not impossible to do. The other two first round match ups have the Lady Mustangs taking on a
always talented Edinburg Economedes and a Fox Tech team that is rebuilding this year. The Lady Mustangs need to
get some positive momentum since the district race will be a long and tough race for this up and coming team.
UNITED SOUTH PANTHERS:
The United South Lady Panthers have high expectations as the new year starts. The Lady Panthers finished 6th in
last year's district standings but let go of a couple of games because of their inexperience and youthfulness. This
year Head Coach Letty Garza has the Lady Panthers ready and hungry for district glory and a playoff push. What the
Lady Panthers lack in overall in "out of this world" talent they more than make up with lots of talented players who
have lots of speed. You can easily sub in 3 or 4 players with bench players and you will not miss a beat. Coach Garza
has made a machine of an offense as players are constantly interchanging positions to confuse their opponents. The
goalkeeping of Brenda Lira has improved from last year as she has the potential to be a game changer with those
saves. The defense is solid after some tinkering with defensive captain Claire Gaytan, very fast side defenders Alexa
Solis and Jacky Moreno and Beatriz Gomez playing the stopper position as good as any one in the district. The
offensive midfield duties fall on cousins senior Jacky "Fishy" Rodriguez and junior Sammy Vasquez as both have high
soccer IQs but also possess that "it"factor when it comes to making plays. The rest of the midfield has loads of talent
such as the crafty Lety Garza, technically sound Xiomara Lopez and the versatile impressive Karina Gonzalez whose
height and conditioning will out work most midfielders. The South forwards of powerful Tiffany Juarez and the feisty
Maria"Red"Chapa pressure throughout the game to get possession for their team. Juarez continues to raise
eyebrows as her offensive skills have improved year after year. The Lady Panthers have a great opening match up
versus the Cigarroa Lady Toros which will be a track meet with all the speed on the field. The Lady Panthers can get
a victory if they stay true to their team offensive and defensive shapes and put the ball in the net early to raise their
confidence while lessening the Lady Toros one. Their other two games will be against last year's tournament finalist
Edinburg North and then versus Brownsville Porter. If the Lady Panthers can stay with either one of these teams then
you will know that they are for real and that the Lady Panthers will be major players in the district race.
LBJ LADY WOLVES:
The LBJ Lady Wolves have always been one of the city's premier soccer team. The Lady Wolves have made the
playoffs every year since the school opened and return an extremely talented team again this year. LBJ Head Coach
Steve Su has his team ready and running on all cylinders as the tournament is about to start. Coach Su's experience
and soccer knowledge have made an already successful program that much better. The Lady Wolves have an
inexperienced yet very talented goalkeeper in junior Alexa De Leon. The stingy defense is anchored by sophomore
Kimberly Sosa and junior Paula Elizalde whose defensive reactions have impressed the soccer guru. The Lady
Wolves speedy, creative midfield is run by senior Brenda Garcia and junior Sheila Bravo who tirelessly run all over
the field to gain possession of the ball. The true x-factor of the LBJ Lady Wolves is their mercurial, talented forward
junior Janet Cazares. She is one of the city's best forwards but the district as well. Cazares possess extremely
creative and upper level soccer play that dazzles the eye and confuses defenses to the joy of the LBJ faithful. The
LBJ Lady Wolves first matchup is the soccer guru's GAME OF THE FIRST ROUND as they take on perennial
champion and regional powerhouse Sharyland Lady Rattlers. Sharyland won the tourney last year and according to
the soccer guru's valley sources looks in great shape to repeat as champion. The strength of the Lady Wolves is that
they do not fear any team and will go at every team. This is a double edged sword as with all that emotion and
passion must come control and discipline. The LBJ Lady Wolves can compete with Sharyland but need to be on their
A game to succeed. The Lady Wolves other games will be against district foe Eagle Pass and a tough Weslaco team.
If the Lady Wolves can advance to the playoff round in this tournament then all those in the district will be on notice
as who the new district favorite will be.
UNITED LADY LONGHORNS:
The United Lady Longhorns look to improve on last year's tournament and district standings. The Lady Longhorns
lost in the tourney to eventual champion Sharyland in the knockout phase and finished 2nd in district right behind Del
Rio. The Lady Longhorns return EVERYBODY from last year's team. The Lady Longhorns are the soccer guru's pick
as the city's best and most complete girls soccer team. The Lady Longhorns have lots of talent at every position and
have the same on the bench. The Lady Longhorns have been impressive in the pre-season as they beat a very good
McHigh team 3-0 in the valley and dominated crosstown rival LBJ 1-0 with several key starters out due to other sport
duties. Head Coach Jerry Vera has the Lady Longhorns in mid-season form, focused and ready to make their own
destiny this tourney. Coach Vera has the Lady Longhorns working hard every practice and their efforts seem to be
paying off. The goalkeeping duties fall once again on senior Ana Martinez who has height, skill and a presence in the
box. The United defense is led by last year's district defensive MVP senior Tanya Reynoso with her energetically
quick defenders senior Amanda Nunez and sophomores Ana Karen Geronimo and Margaret Rayos. The midfield is
where you find one of this year's District MVP candidates in senior phenom Karina Garcia. She has the foot work, ball
control and soccer IQ to take over a game. The other mid fielders are just as talented as they run every inch of the
field. Mid fielders Shataye Paulson, Stephanie Villarreal, Geny Almanza and Esmeralda Villarreal are constantly
moving up and down the field to gain possession but also drop down and defend if need be. The return of "Batman
and Robin" scoring tandem of junior sensations Alexia Herrera and Yazmin Garza is easily the city's most prolific and
most talented. Both have the skills, the shooting range and more importantly the unselfishness to pass to one
another to raise their game. What makes the Longhorns stand out is the fact that the entore team presses the ball
and the entire passes extremely well. The Lady Longhorns need to have their confidence in check as they open up
Border Olympics against the Nixon Lady Mustangs. The Lady Longhorns beat Nixon twice last year handily but the
soccer guru is sure that Coach Vera will have the Lady Longhorns grounded and ready. The rest of the first round
has them playing against Fox Tech and valley team Economedes. The Lady Longhorns look to be in a good position
to advance to the knockout phase but only if they play up to their potential. The Lady Longhorns just need to take it a
game at a time and focus on the task at hand.
SOCCER GURU'S TIP OF THE DAY:
One cannot write a soccer preview or make an educated opinion unless you have seen the soccer teams. The soccer
guru thinks that an email or a simple phone call does not give you the knowledge or insight on how the teams are
really doing. The soccer guru has gain all this information because the soccer guru has invested his time and heart
to the task at hand. So get out of that Lazy-boy chair or just get out of that cubicle. Put the effort to see the "beautiful
game" in all its stages so you can better understand the passion, the glory and the love that happens when a goal is
scored. TO SEE IS TO BELIEVE BUT TO SEE IS ALSO TO KNOW.
Border Olympics Girls Soccer Tournament on January 12-January 14. This year's Border Olympics has all
the seven local high schools and nine out-of-town high schools take part in one of the region's premier
soccer tournament. The soccer venues for this year will be the always impressive William Johnson
Student Activity Center(SAC), the iconic Memorial Field and the newly renovated and historical Shirley
Field.
The soccer guru has been hard at work over the last few weeks covering and analyzing all the local teams. The
soccer guru has been to the local teams' tryouts, their practice sessions, has sat down in their team meetings ,has
talked to their coaching staffs and has seen the teams in their local and out-of-town scrimmages. The soccer guru
does all this so the soccer guru can give the Laredo soccer community an educated and very opiniated insight into
how the local teams will fare in this year's Border Olympics tournament. So this is a quick mini-preview on how the
local teams stand as of right now.
ALEXANDER LADY BULLDOGS:
The Alexander Lady Bulldogs are a very young and inexperienced all-around team this year. They graduated most
their starters last year so this is a rebuilding year. They will have a lot of growing pains and will take their knockdowns
starting with this tournament. They have a lot of new faces all over the field positions so all that unfamiliarity will
eventually catch up to you. The Lady Bulldogs also have been bitten by the injury bug as several key players have
been out of action for some time. The positive out of all this is that they do have a lot of energy ,team chemistry and
have a stable foundation on which to build on. Coach Charlie Gonzalez's style of coaching is very positive and
extremely energetic. You can bet that Coach Gonzalez will get the most out of the team game after game even in
those early tough losses to bounce back. The Lady Bulldogs will have to depend a lot on the leadership and
experience of junior defender/midfielder Georgette Galvan and Samantha Gonzalez as well as sophomore midfielder
phenom Selina Avila. The Lady Bulldogs first matchup against the Martin Lady Tigers will be a tough test as the Lady
Tigers have a lot of speed. Their other two opponents in Brownsville Hanna and Valley View are always favorites to
make waves here in the Border Olympics as the valley teams always pose lots of problems for any Laredo team. The
Lady Bulldogs will struggle early but will be in a better position come district play.
CIGARROA LADY TOROS:
The Cigarroa Lady Toros have started on the right foot this new year. The Lady Toros have a new and exciting head
coach in Roger Garcia. This coaching change has brought not only a new attitude but a great workout ethic for the
team. The Lady Toros ,who struggled mightily last year, seem to have used all that vented up anger and emotion
from last year to motivate their entire team to new heights so far. They have scored more goals in the pre-season
scrimmages than all of last year while limiting goals allowed as well. The Lady Toros have gotten quicker at all
positions and have also gotten more physical with their team defensive schemes. The return of junior goalkeeper Isis
Adame also gives the Lady Toros stability in goal. The play of the sister tandems of Edith/Karla Rodriguez and
Jessica/Mayra Vargas has all four players playing multiple positions throughout the game as all four possess
speed,creativity and tenacity. The Lady Toros first match-up will be against south Laredo rival United South as the
Lady Panthers have a little more team creativity on the offensive end. The Lady Toros can surprise the Lady
Panthers if they stay their defensive shape and are discipline in their attack. The other two games has the Lady
Toros play against Brownsville Porter and last year's tournament finalist Edinburg North. Both valley teams are
extremely talented as the Lady Toros will have their hands and feet full as they will struggle with these powerhouse
teams. The Lady Toros need to learn from all these games early on so they can incorporate the lessons they learned
come district play to hopefully surprise a couple of teams.
The Martin Tigers
MARTIN LADY TIGERS:
The Martin Lady Tigers were last year's tournament Cinderella story as they took the tourney by storm to a 4th place
finish and look poised to return to the playoffs this year after a long hiatus. The Lady Tigers were knocked out of the
playoff hunt last year by the Alexander Lady Bulldogs in the final stages of district play. You can bet that being that
close and not getting motivates this year's Lady Tigers team. What the Lady Tigers lack in numbers and bench depth
they more than make up for it with their stellar play at several positions by their starters. Second year Head Coach
Sandra Alcorta has the Lady Tigers already in season mode after all the off-season and pre-season conditioning.
Coach Alcorta has also made the Lady Tigers aware that they need to trust and believe in each other if they are to
succeed and this team BELIEVES with a Tebow-like faith that they can succeed. The Lady Tigers have a rising young
superstar in junior goalkeeper Alma Martinez. The Lady Tigers defense has been slowed by injury but will be at full
strength and ready as all four starters in tenacious Mayra Ramirez, fast-footed Ashley Quintanilla, physically tough
Mayra Muniz and the soccer smart Valeria Aguirre will slow any offense in the Border Olympics. The midfield play of
the creative junior Jassel Ruiz and versatile and extremely fast senior Damaris Gamas has impressed the soccer guru
on how well they have adapted to their new roles. The true talent of the Lady Tigers is the play of their forwards
senior Norma Herrera and junior Analee Chavarria. Both have multiple goal games in the pre-season and don't look
to slow down come this tourney. Both possess speed, ball control and creativity but it's Herrera's passing and
Chavarria's 2nd gear sprint that outmatches their opponents to make believers even out of doubters. You can bet
that revenge will definitely be on the Lady Tigers minds when they face the Alexander Lady Bulldogs in their first
match up for the tournament. The Lady Tigers have two tough games against Valley View and Brownsville Hanna but
the Lady Tigers offense can score in bunches. Can the starting 11 maintain the hectic pace or will injury and fatigue
de-rail their hopes to get to the second stage of the tournament and district play? Can someone from the bench step
up and contribute effectively? Stay tuned as the show will be very exciting.
NIXON LADY MUSTANGS:
The Nixon Lady Mustangs have made great strides from last year's last place district finish. The Lady Mustangs have
improved on their conditioning, their team play and their speed. The Lady Mustangs never got negative or down on
themselves last year and all that positiveness exudes in their play. The Lady Mustangs fight every possession and
leave it all on the field. Nixon Head Coach Gris Quijano has the team heading in the right direction as the Border
Olympics tourney is about to start. Coach Quijano has had a year to evaluate her team and has them playing
effectively in their team formations. The goalkeeping duties have fallen on sophomore Diana Shakira Morales who is
new to the goalkeeping position but makes up for her lack of experience with athleticism and instinct. The defense is
controlled by sophomores Regan Leza and Marisol Amozorrutia who are aggressive on their side of the field. The
midfield has improved as senior Lupita Perez, sophomore Azeneth Ibarra and returning utility player Glenda
Stendabach have made it a habit to pressure as the ball crosses midfield. The real surprise of the Lady Mustangs is
the forward play of sophomore scoring sensation Yahaira Lara. She has excellent ball control and will go full speed
without fear of contact impressing the soccer guru enough to say that she is the future of the Nixon Lady Mustangs.
The Lady Mustangs have an extremely tough test early in the tournament as they take on one of the district favorite
in the United Lady Longhorns. The Lady Mustangs will Be stretched thin as the Lady Longhorns have lots of speed
and talent throughout their ranks. The Lady Mustangs need to play a near perfect game if they are to beat United
which is hard but not impossible to do. The other two first round match ups have the Lady Mustangs taking on a
always talented Edinburg Economedes and a Fox Tech team that is rebuilding this year. The Lady Mustangs need to
get some positive momentum since the district race will be a long and tough race for this up and coming team.
UNITED SOUTH PANTHERS:
The United South Lady Panthers have high expectations as the new year starts. The Lady Panthers finished 6th in
last year's district standings but let go of a couple of games because of their inexperience and youthfulness. This
year Head Coach Letty Garza has the Lady Panthers ready and hungry for district glory and a playoff push. What the
Lady Panthers lack in overall in "out of this world" talent they more than make up with lots of talented players who
have lots of speed. You can easily sub in 3 or 4 players with bench players and you will not miss a beat. Coach Garza
has made a machine of an offense as players are constantly interchanging positions to confuse their opponents. The
goalkeeping of Brenda Lira has improved from last year as she has the potential to be a game changer with those
saves. The defense is solid after some tinkering with defensive captain Claire Gaytan, very fast side defenders Alexa
Solis and Jacky Moreno and Beatriz Gomez playing the stopper position as good as any one in the district. The
offensive midfield duties fall on cousins senior Jacky "Fishy" Rodriguez and junior Sammy Vasquez as both have high
soccer IQs but also possess that "it"factor when it comes to making plays. The rest of the midfield has loads of talent
such as the crafty Lety Garza, technically sound Xiomara Lopez and the versatile impressive Karina Gonzalez whose
height and conditioning will out work most midfielders. The South forwards of powerful Tiffany Juarez and the feisty
Maria"Red"Chapa pressure throughout the game to get possession for their team. Juarez continues to raise
eyebrows as her offensive skills have improved year after year. The Lady Panthers have a great opening match up
versus the Cigarroa Lady Toros which will be a track meet with all the speed on the field. The Lady Panthers can get
a victory if they stay true to their team offensive and defensive shapes and put the ball in the net early to raise their
confidence while lessening the Lady Toros one. Their other two games will be against last year's tournament finalist
Edinburg North and then versus Brownsville Porter. If the Lady Panthers can stay with either one of these teams then
you will know that they are for real and that the Lady Panthers will be major players in the district race.
LBJ LADY WOLVES:
The LBJ Lady Wolves have always been one of the city's premier soccer team. The Lady Wolves have made the
playoffs every year since the school opened and return an extremely talented team again this year. LBJ Head Coach
Steve Su has his team ready and running on all cylinders as the tournament is about to start. Coach Su's experience
and soccer knowledge have made an already successful program that much better. The Lady Wolves have an
inexperienced yet very talented goalkeeper in junior Alexa De Leon. The stingy defense is anchored by sophomore
Kimberly Sosa and junior Paula Elizalde whose defensive reactions have impressed the soccer guru. The Lady
Wolves speedy, creative midfield is run by senior Brenda Garcia and junior Sheila Bravo who tirelessly run all over
the field to gain possession of the ball. The true x-factor of the LBJ Lady Wolves is their mercurial, talented forward
junior Janet Cazares. She is one of the city's best forwards but the district as well. Cazares possess extremely
creative and upper level soccer play that dazzles the eye and confuses defenses to the joy of the LBJ faithful. The
LBJ Lady Wolves first matchup is the soccer guru's GAME OF THE FIRST ROUND as they take on perennial
champion and regional powerhouse Sharyland Lady Rattlers. Sharyland won the tourney last year and according to
the soccer guru's valley sources looks in great shape to repeat as champion. The strength of the Lady Wolves is that
they do not fear any team and will go at every team. This is a double edged sword as with all that emotion and
passion must come control and discipline. The LBJ Lady Wolves can compete with Sharyland but need to be on their
A game to succeed. The Lady Wolves other games will be against district foe Eagle Pass and a tough Weslaco team.
If the Lady Wolves can advance to the playoff round in this tournament then all those in the district will be on notice
as who the new district favorite will be.
UNITED LADY LONGHORNS:
The United Lady Longhorns look to improve on last year's tournament and district standings. The Lady Longhorns
lost in the tourney to eventual champion Sharyland in the knockout phase and finished 2nd in district right behind Del
Rio. The Lady Longhorns return EVERYBODY from last year's team. The Lady Longhorns are the soccer guru's pick
as the city's best and most complete girls soccer team. The Lady Longhorns have lots of talent at every position and
have the same on the bench. The Lady Longhorns have been impressive in the pre-season as they beat a very good
McHigh team 3-0 in the valley and dominated crosstown rival LBJ 1-0 with several key starters out due to other sport
duties. Head Coach Jerry Vera has the Lady Longhorns in mid-season form, focused and ready to make their own
destiny this tourney. Coach Vera has the Lady Longhorns working hard every practice and their efforts seem to be
paying off. The goalkeeping duties fall once again on senior Ana Martinez who has height, skill and a presence in the
box. The United defense is led by last year's district defensive MVP senior Tanya Reynoso with her energetically
quick defenders senior Amanda Nunez and sophomores Ana Karen Geronimo and Margaret Rayos. The midfield is
where you find one of this year's District MVP candidates in senior phenom Karina Garcia. She has the foot work, ball
control and soccer IQ to take over a game. The other mid fielders are just as talented as they run every inch of the
field. Mid fielders Shataye Paulson, Stephanie Villarreal, Geny Almanza and Esmeralda Villarreal are constantly
moving up and down the field to gain possession but also drop down and defend if need be. The return of "Batman
and Robin" scoring tandem of junior sensations Alexia Herrera and Yazmin Garza is easily the city's most prolific and
most talented. Both have the skills, the shooting range and more importantly the unselfishness to pass to one
another to raise their game. What makes the Longhorns stand out is the fact that the entore team presses the ball
and the entire passes extremely well. The Lady Longhorns need to have their confidence in check as they open up
Border Olympics against the Nixon Lady Mustangs. The Lady Longhorns beat Nixon twice last year handily but the
soccer guru is sure that Coach Vera will have the Lady Longhorns grounded and ready. The rest of the first round
has them playing against Fox Tech and valley team Economedes. The Lady Longhorns look to be in a good position
to advance to the knockout phase but only if they play up to their potential. The Lady Longhorns just need to take it a
game at a time and focus on the task at hand.
SOCCER GURU'S TIP OF THE DAY:
One cannot write a soccer preview or make an educated opinion unless you have seen the soccer teams. The soccer
guru thinks that an email or a simple phone call does not give you the knowledge or insight on how the teams are
really doing. The soccer guru has gain all this information because the soccer guru has invested his time and heart
to the task at hand. So get out of that Lazy-boy chair or just get out of that cubicle. Put the effort to see the "beautiful
game" in all its stages so you can better understand the passion, the glory and the love that happens when a goal is
scored. TO SEE IS TO BELIEVE BUT TO SEE IS ALSO TO KNOW.
| @3:00pm Alexander vs Martin(Shirley), Nixon vs United(Memorial) United South vs Cigarroa(SAC) @4:30pm LBJ vs Sharyland(Shirley), San Antonio Fox Tech vs Edinburg Economedes(Memorial) Edinburg North vs Brownsville Porter(SAC) @6:00pm Eagle Pass vs Weslaco(Shirley) Valley View vs Brownsville Hanna(Memorial).. |