RANKINGS BY DANNY PEREZ THE SOCCER GURU OF SOUTH TEXASFOR ALL OF UIL REGION IV DISTRICT 29 5A TEAM
BY TEAM IN LAREDO WHICH SEE ACTION THIS WEEK
BY TEAM IN LAREDO WHICH SEE ACTION THIS WEEK
Here are the soccer power rankings for the Laredo high schools after 3 district games. Positions have changed since our
initial rankings but it is due to the great level of play of all the teams and the parity in the district. All the teams have their
own "game-changers" who have shown up to get important points for their teams. The standings have several teams tied
with the same amount of points so the tie-breakers are: head-to-head, goal differential, goals in favor and goals allowed.
There is still 15 more district games so all the teams can be assured of moving up or down in the standings. Good luck to
everyone and every team playing "el juego bonito".
GIRLS DIVISION:
W - D - L (Wins - Draws - Losses)
1. UNITED LADY LONGHORNS 3 - 0 - 0 9 POINTS HAVE SCORED 18 GOALS AND ALLOWED 1 GOAL, THE GOAL
DIFFERENTIAL IS PLUS 17.
The Lady Longhorns are ahead of all the other city teams as they continue to be amongst the district's best. The Lady
Longhorns have started out each game slowly but once they gain momentum then watch out for the "Batman and Robin"
show of scoring sensations Alexia Herrera and Yazmin Garza who are the district's top scoring duo. The goalkeeping of
senior Ana Martinez has not been tested to often but has come up big when called upon to thwart any shots on goal. The
Lady Longhorns have several key players missing due to injury or other athletic duties but players such as midfielders
Carolina Alfaro and Esmeralda Villarreal have stepped up their level of play to give the Lady Longhorns that needed
stability in midfield. The defensive play of Ana Karen Geronimo, Margaret Rayos and Andrea Amaro have only allowed one
goal. The defensive play and leadership of team captain Amanda Nunez has been excellent as she has made sure that the
defense is constantly moving and covering any opponents in the Lady Longhorns goal area. She is an early district
defensive mvp candidate with her play even saving two goals from going in right on the goal line. The Lady Longhorns will
need to play a near perfect game as they face the other top district team in Del Rio Queens on Tuesday at the SAC. This
is the soccer guru's "GAME OF THE WEEK" but also the "Super Bowl" in the girls district play.
2. CIGARROA LADY TOROS 2 - 0 - 1 6 POINTS HAVE SCORED 5 GOALS AND ALLOWED 6 GOALS, THE GOAL
DIFFERENTIAL IS MINUS 1.
The Lady Toros are the surprise of the district so far as they have been playing extremely well. New Head Coach Roger
Garcia has the team playing confident and well defensively. The goalkeeping play of Carmen Martinez has been good
while the Lady Toros defense with Karla Rodriguez in command has been an eye opener. Midfielder Carolina Posadas has
controlled the Toros offense and connected well with forwards Barina Ramos and Jessica Vargas. The play of Jessica
Vargas has been equally impressive as she has scored in every game so far this season. Look for the Lady Toros to
continue their good trajectory as they are working hard day in and out to restore that might Toros pride in girls soccer.
3. ALEXANDER LADY BULLDOGS 2 - 0 - 1 6 POINTS HAVE SCORED 4 GOALS AND ALLOWED 5 GOALS, THE GOAL
DIFFERENTIAL IS MINUS 1.
The Lady Bulldogs have been playing well at the start of the season. The thinking by some people, including myself, that
their youth and inexperience would hinder their progress is debunked. The play of defensive superstar Georgette Galvan
along with fellow defender Alexa Salazar has been stingy in allowing goals. The goalkeeping of Sabrina Ramirez has also
been stellar in goal. The Lady Bulldogs midfield of Samantha Gonzalez and Cecilia Avila have run the offense well while
also supporting their defense in coverages and assisting in pressuring the ball. The true "gem" of the season so far has
been the return to superstar form of Palmira Martinez who leads the Lady Bulldogs in scoring. She returns after a long
injury but is already causing a stir with her play and more importantly her keen eye for putting the ball in the back of the
net.
4. LBJ LADY WOLVES 1 - 1 - 1 4 POINTS HAVE SCORED 9 GOALS AND ALLOWED 9 GOALS, THE GOAL
DIFFERENTIAL IS ZERO.
The Lady Wolves have had a "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" start of the season as they are not playing consistent soccer. They
have a very talented team throughout their ranks but have not been clicking or not playing up to their fullest potential.
They started out playing well in their first game then failed to capitalize many goal scoring chances in their second game
which they lost while not playing complete team defense in their tie in their last game. They need more stable goalkeeping
from Alexa De Leon while Kimberly Sosa needs to get her defense to play up to their potential and be more assertive in the
back. The midfield play of Brenda Garcia and Sheila Bravo needs to communicate better with both the defense and the
forwards if the Lady Wolves are to have success. The forward play of Janet Cazares is getting plenty of attention but she
needs offensive help from her teammates. The Lady Wolves WILL bounce back and will regain their talented form but
need to work harder throughout the game.
5. MARTIN LADY TIGERS 1 - 1 - 1 4 POINTS HAVE SCORED 8 GOALS AND ALLOWED 8 GOALS, THE GOAL
DIFFERENTIAL IS ZERO.
The Lady Tigers are struggling to play well as they have not been more decisive in their scoring. The talented scoring duo
of Analee Chavarria and Norma Herrera has not been running on all cylinders as both seem to be "off" offensively to start
the season. This duo has had plenty of chances but needs to score to take off some pressure of their defense.
Goalkeeper Alma Martinez continues to improve while Martin defenders Valeria Aguirre, Ashley Quintanilla and Mayra
Ramirez are working out the kinks in their defensive schemes. The midfield of Jassel Ruiz, Damaris Gamas and Rebecca
Sandoval needs to maintain more possession but looks better and better game after game. This Lady Tigers team will
make a push to reach the playoffs but why wait when you have the talent to do it NOW.
6. NIXON LADY MUSTANGS 1 - 1 - 1 4 POINTS HAVE SCORED 4 GOALS AND ALLOWED 5 GOALS, THE GOAL
DIFFERENTIAL IS MINUS 1.
The Lady Mustangs have been playing hard and extremely feisty. They have a lot of energy and spunk as they outwork a
lot of teams during the game. This team hustle has gotten them feeling confident and mentally tough in every game. The
goalkeeping duo of Diana Shakira Morales and Glenda Stendebach has secured the Lady Mustangs net. The defense is
playing well as Regan Leza closes off any passing lanes and can stay with any forward in a foot race. The midfield play of
Lupita Perez has effectively secured possession in the games. The scoring of Yahaira Lara has taken a few teams by
surprise as her speed and tenacity makes her extremely difficult to control defensively. The Lady Mustangs look to reach
new heights as the season will only give them more experience and more chances to grow which they will learn to compete
with any team.
7. UNITED LADY PANTHERS 0 - 1 - 2 1 POINT HAVE SCORED 1 GOAL AND ALLOWED 7 GOALS, THE GOAL
DIFFERENTIAL IS MINUS 6.
The Lady Panthers have had a very disappointing start to their season. They have not scored many goals and have not
played well defensively. All that scoring woes look to change as the return of Jacky "Fishy" Rodriguez from injury will add
an extra offensive variation to the Lady Panthers offense. Rodriguez will be hard to defend as she can pass well, send
crosses well, take free kicks well and can effectively run an offense thru her great play. The defense needs to work better
as Claire Gaytan, Jacky Moreno, Beatriz Gomez and Alexa Solis are not communicating well in the backline. The midfield
looks lost as Letty Garza, Xiomara Lopez, Karina Gonzalez and Samantha Vasquez are not connecting on passes or
maintaining possession of the ball. The forwards of Maria Chapa and Tiffany Juarez need to work harder to get those goal
scoring opportunities if the Panthers are to rise up in the rankings. The Lady Panthers have a lot and i do mean a lot of
talent but need to WORK TOGETHER to succeed. This will happen it's just a matter of time but the soccer guru hopes it's
not to late.
BOYS DIVISION
W - D - L (Wins - Draws - Losses)
1. UNITED LONGHORNS 2 - 1 - 0 7 POINTS HAVE SCORED 5 GOALS AND ALLOWED 2 GOALS, THE GOAL
DIFFERENTIAL IS PLUS 3.
The Longhorns are the top of the list to start the season as they have been playing very well. They have a wealth of talent
in all areas of their team and also have depth in their bench play. They seem to be running on all cylinders but have
squandered several important chances to score important goals as they need to be more consistent up top with their
forwards. Aaron Zuniga and Roland Flores have two goals each but it's their willingness to share the ball that sets this duo
apart. The midfield of talented players such as Fernando Flores, Ruben Vallejo, Cesar Guerrero, Arturo Villalba and Jorge
Barroso is extremely versatile but also extremely talented as well. The defense of Robbie Ramos, Oscar Perez and
Rodrigo Zuniga has been decent but needs to tighten up and gel together as the season is very long and very physical.
Whatever few scoring chances the Longhorns have allowed the goalkeepers of Frank Rojas and Oscar Molina have been
up to the challenge in only allowing 2 goals in 3 games. The Longhorns need to be more consistent in their overall play,
keep their focus and keep improving as a team. They look to be ready as their entire team is getting quantity and quality
minutes in play as the season end is still aways off.
2. LBJ WOLVES 2 - 0 - 1 6 POINTS HAVE SCORED 6 GOALS AND ALLOWED 2 GOALS, THE GOAL DIFFERENTIAL IS
PLUS 4.
The LBJ Wolves are back on track after an earlier loss to district leading Del Rio Rams in Del Rio. The long pre-season
and the very physically excruiating Brownsville tournament might have taken some affect on the legs of the Wolves. The
Wolves seem to have caught their second wind and played very well against a good Nixon team last game. The Wolves are
getting solid goalkeeping from Jesus Reynoso along with world class defending from defensive captain Rudy Ramirez. The
midfield is one of the district's best as the Wolves have many playmakers such as Javi Jimenez, Vidal Lara, Jose Montes
and Gerardo Carillo. The Wolves forwards of Juan Segura and Diego Hernandez have caused many headaches for
opposing defenses are working together to get goal scoring opportunities. The Wolves have plenty of talented players in
the bench so look for a few surprise names to make plays as the season continues. The LBJ Wolves will only get better as
the season progresses.
3. NIXON MUSTANGS 2 - 0 - 1 6 POINTS HAVE SCORED 4 GOALS AND ALLOWED 4 GOALS, THE GOAL DIFFERENTIAL
IS ZERO.
The Mustangs have surely surprised a lot of the teams in district as they have not let having several key players out from
achieving early district success. The Mustangs have also proved the soccer guru wrong in his early season last place
ranking but the guru knew they have talent but the guru was not sure that the talent would respond so quickly. The soccer
guru applaudes the Mustangs hard work and team concept to get very important wins. The goalkeeping of Miguel
Caballero has been exemplary while Jesus Perez leading the defense has given the Mustangs stability to their backline.
The midfield play of the fabulous freshmen Jonathan Gallegos and Nicolas Ramirez has run the Mustangs offense
extremely well to control tempo in all the games. Both Gallegos and Ramirez are young but play well beyond their years
and WILL get better as they get more varsity level experience. The forward play of Alejandro Espinoza has been getting
attention as his offensive runs have given the Mustangs that scoring threat that frees up space for the oncoming
midfielders making runs at goal. The Mustangs look to get some players back from academic issues so they will be ready
and tough for any team to beat.
4. MARTIN TIGERS 1 - 1 - 1 4 POINTS HAVE SCORED 9 GOALS AND ALLOWED 5 GOALS, THE GOAL DIFFERENTIAL IS
PLUS 4.
The Martin Tigers did not start the season well and looked defeated even before the rest of the season got under way.
With their backs against the wall, the Martin Tigers showed their heart of a champion and came up with the best
performance in district play from any team. The Tigers dominated all aspects of their game against United South as they
won 7-1. The Tigers seemed to have found the right physical and mental groove to play up to their lethal potential. The
Tigers are getting great goalkeeping from Aldair Gonzalez. The defensive work from Erick Arana, Marco Ramirez and Jerry
Gaytan has steadied the backline. The Tigers are also getting great overall preformances from Armando Pedrote, Jorge
Flores and Christian Arana. The scoring touch of Rafael Barba has emerged as he has 4 goals in his last two games. The
Martin Tigers had a early season hiccup but look poised and more dangerous than ever to not only compete against the
tams ahead of them but defend their district title as well.
5. UNITED SOUTH PANTHERS 1 - 1 - 1 4 POINTS HAVE SCORED 4 GOALS AND ALLOWED 9 GOALS, THE GOAL
DIFFERENTIAL IS MINUS 5.
The Panthers had early season success as they beat Alexander 2-1 and tied United 1-1. The Panthers ran into the
offensive-minded Martin Tigers and got dominated from the get go to a 7-1 loss. The Panthers were playing well before
that game but maybe their youthfulness got exposed too much. The Panthers will need better games from goalkeeper Saul
De Los Santos and better defensive cohesion from Jesse Magana, Joel Garza and Jonathan Collazo. Goals win games but
defense wins championships. The midfield of Jorge Vasquez is working well but needs Irving San Martin and Mario "Pumita"
Contreras to be more consistent if the Panthers are to make a run at the playoffs. The forward duo of Serafin Perez and
Orlando Alvarado have been on the same page and will get more goals but need support from their midfield. The Panthers
were grounded after that Martin loss but these Panthers are young and energetic so that only enthusiasm as well as
exciting soccer.
6. ALEXANDER BULLDOGS 1 - 0 - 2 3 POINTS HAVE SCORED 3 GOALS AND HAVE ALLOWED 4 GOALS, THE GOAL
DIFFERENTIAL IS MINUS 1.
The Bulldogs have been decent in all their games but have been inconsistent defensively. Those mistakes have allowed
key goals to go in that have doomed them so far this season. The Bulldogs need to pass better in their backline and also
have more support from their midfield to quell any pressure being provided from the other teams. The Bulldogs are getting
really good goalkeeping from Bryand Castaneda in goal. The defensive unit of Jorge Rocha and Luis Romero has been
good but needs to be better throughout the game. The midfield play of Lino Gamez, Jorge Fischer and Gustavo Munoz is
good but needs to be up to the challenge against the more experience teams. The offense of Ali Velasco has been
impressive but he needs more oportunities to get scores. Velasco is very creative and very quick so he will get on the
scoreboard several times this season. The Bulldogs have a lot of youth but need to play with that youthfulness and
outwork their competition. The Bulldogs are very talented but just need some time to get it going forward.
7. CIGARROA TOROS 0 - 1 - 2 1 POINT HAVE SCORED 2 GOALS AND HAVE ALLOWED 6 GOALS, THE GOAL
DIFFERENTIAL IS MINUS 4.
The Toros are not having a good start to their season but that has not dimisnished their efforts on the field. They got an
important tie against district powerhouse Martin in a 1-1 game. The Toros have had several not taken advantage of those
scoring opportunities during their games and that has cost them dearly. The Toros goal area is getting good effort from
Gustavo Ochoa but he needs better overall team defense to limit shots on goal. The defense of Ricky Mejia and Chris
Carrillo needs to be solid and just not decent. Bothe these players have lots of talent and will correct those mistakes that
have cost them goals. The midfield for the Toros needs a leader to step up and take the offensive reins to run the offense.
Who will that player be? The Toros midfield has talent but it needs leadership. The forwards of Martin Hernandez and
Alexis Garcia have worked well but need to be more precise in their shots to get goals. Once the goals start flowing you will
see that confidence grow back to where it was in the pre-season. The Toros have lots of passion and pride so look for the
Toros to channel those emotions to gain momentum to go up the rankings.
initial rankings but it is due to the great level of play of all the teams and the parity in the district. All the teams have their
own "game-changers" who have shown up to get important points for their teams. The standings have several teams tied
with the same amount of points so the tie-breakers are: head-to-head, goal differential, goals in favor and goals allowed.
There is still 15 more district games so all the teams can be assured of moving up or down in the standings. Good luck to
everyone and every team playing "el juego bonito".
GIRLS DIVISION:
W - D - L (Wins - Draws - Losses)
1. UNITED LADY LONGHORNS 3 - 0 - 0 9 POINTS HAVE SCORED 18 GOALS AND ALLOWED 1 GOAL, THE GOAL
DIFFERENTIAL IS PLUS 17.
The Lady Longhorns are ahead of all the other city teams as they continue to be amongst the district's best. The Lady
Longhorns have started out each game slowly but once they gain momentum then watch out for the "Batman and Robin"
show of scoring sensations Alexia Herrera and Yazmin Garza who are the district's top scoring duo. The goalkeeping of
senior Ana Martinez has not been tested to often but has come up big when called upon to thwart any shots on goal. The
Lady Longhorns have several key players missing due to injury or other athletic duties but players such as midfielders
Carolina Alfaro and Esmeralda Villarreal have stepped up their level of play to give the Lady Longhorns that needed
stability in midfield. The defensive play of Ana Karen Geronimo, Margaret Rayos and Andrea Amaro have only allowed one
goal. The defensive play and leadership of team captain Amanda Nunez has been excellent as she has made sure that the
defense is constantly moving and covering any opponents in the Lady Longhorns goal area. She is an early district
defensive mvp candidate with her play even saving two goals from going in right on the goal line. The Lady Longhorns will
need to play a near perfect game as they face the other top district team in Del Rio Queens on Tuesday at the SAC. This
is the soccer guru's "GAME OF THE WEEK" but also the "Super Bowl" in the girls district play.
2. CIGARROA LADY TOROS 2 - 0 - 1 6 POINTS HAVE SCORED 5 GOALS AND ALLOWED 6 GOALS, THE GOAL
DIFFERENTIAL IS MINUS 1.
The Lady Toros are the surprise of the district so far as they have been playing extremely well. New Head Coach Roger
Garcia has the team playing confident and well defensively. The goalkeeping play of Carmen Martinez has been good
while the Lady Toros defense with Karla Rodriguez in command has been an eye opener. Midfielder Carolina Posadas has
controlled the Toros offense and connected well with forwards Barina Ramos and Jessica Vargas. The play of Jessica
Vargas has been equally impressive as she has scored in every game so far this season. Look for the Lady Toros to
continue their good trajectory as they are working hard day in and out to restore that might Toros pride in girls soccer.
3. ALEXANDER LADY BULLDOGS 2 - 0 - 1 6 POINTS HAVE SCORED 4 GOALS AND ALLOWED 5 GOALS, THE GOAL
DIFFERENTIAL IS MINUS 1.
The Lady Bulldogs have been playing well at the start of the season. The thinking by some people, including myself, that
their youth and inexperience would hinder their progress is debunked. The play of defensive superstar Georgette Galvan
along with fellow defender Alexa Salazar has been stingy in allowing goals. The goalkeeping of Sabrina Ramirez has also
been stellar in goal. The Lady Bulldogs midfield of Samantha Gonzalez and Cecilia Avila have run the offense well while
also supporting their defense in coverages and assisting in pressuring the ball. The true "gem" of the season so far has
been the return to superstar form of Palmira Martinez who leads the Lady Bulldogs in scoring. She returns after a long
injury but is already causing a stir with her play and more importantly her keen eye for putting the ball in the back of the
net.
4. LBJ LADY WOLVES 1 - 1 - 1 4 POINTS HAVE SCORED 9 GOALS AND ALLOWED 9 GOALS, THE GOAL
DIFFERENTIAL IS ZERO.
The Lady Wolves have had a "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" start of the season as they are not playing consistent soccer. They
have a very talented team throughout their ranks but have not been clicking or not playing up to their fullest potential.
They started out playing well in their first game then failed to capitalize many goal scoring chances in their second game
which they lost while not playing complete team defense in their tie in their last game. They need more stable goalkeeping
from Alexa De Leon while Kimberly Sosa needs to get her defense to play up to their potential and be more assertive in the
back. The midfield play of Brenda Garcia and Sheila Bravo needs to communicate better with both the defense and the
forwards if the Lady Wolves are to have success. The forward play of Janet Cazares is getting plenty of attention but she
needs offensive help from her teammates. The Lady Wolves WILL bounce back and will regain their talented form but
need to work harder throughout the game.
5. MARTIN LADY TIGERS 1 - 1 - 1 4 POINTS HAVE SCORED 8 GOALS AND ALLOWED 8 GOALS, THE GOAL
DIFFERENTIAL IS ZERO.
The Lady Tigers are struggling to play well as they have not been more decisive in their scoring. The talented scoring duo
of Analee Chavarria and Norma Herrera has not been running on all cylinders as both seem to be "off" offensively to start
the season. This duo has had plenty of chances but needs to score to take off some pressure of their defense.
Goalkeeper Alma Martinez continues to improve while Martin defenders Valeria Aguirre, Ashley Quintanilla and Mayra
Ramirez are working out the kinks in their defensive schemes. The midfield of Jassel Ruiz, Damaris Gamas and Rebecca
Sandoval needs to maintain more possession but looks better and better game after game. This Lady Tigers team will
make a push to reach the playoffs but why wait when you have the talent to do it NOW.
6. NIXON LADY MUSTANGS 1 - 1 - 1 4 POINTS HAVE SCORED 4 GOALS AND ALLOWED 5 GOALS, THE GOAL
DIFFERENTIAL IS MINUS 1.
The Lady Mustangs have been playing hard and extremely feisty. They have a lot of energy and spunk as they outwork a
lot of teams during the game. This team hustle has gotten them feeling confident and mentally tough in every game. The
goalkeeping duo of Diana Shakira Morales and Glenda Stendebach has secured the Lady Mustangs net. The defense is
playing well as Regan Leza closes off any passing lanes and can stay with any forward in a foot race. The midfield play of
Lupita Perez has effectively secured possession in the games. The scoring of Yahaira Lara has taken a few teams by
surprise as her speed and tenacity makes her extremely difficult to control defensively. The Lady Mustangs look to reach
new heights as the season will only give them more experience and more chances to grow which they will learn to compete
with any team.
7. UNITED LADY PANTHERS 0 - 1 - 2 1 POINT HAVE SCORED 1 GOAL AND ALLOWED 7 GOALS, THE GOAL
DIFFERENTIAL IS MINUS 6.
The Lady Panthers have had a very disappointing start to their season. They have not scored many goals and have not
played well defensively. All that scoring woes look to change as the return of Jacky "Fishy" Rodriguez from injury will add
an extra offensive variation to the Lady Panthers offense. Rodriguez will be hard to defend as she can pass well, send
crosses well, take free kicks well and can effectively run an offense thru her great play. The defense needs to work better
as Claire Gaytan, Jacky Moreno, Beatriz Gomez and Alexa Solis are not communicating well in the backline. The midfield
looks lost as Letty Garza, Xiomara Lopez, Karina Gonzalez and Samantha Vasquez are not connecting on passes or
maintaining possession of the ball. The forwards of Maria Chapa and Tiffany Juarez need to work harder to get those goal
scoring opportunities if the Panthers are to rise up in the rankings. The Lady Panthers have a lot and i do mean a lot of
talent but need to WORK TOGETHER to succeed. This will happen it's just a matter of time but the soccer guru hopes it's
not to late.
BOYS DIVISION
W - D - L (Wins - Draws - Losses)
1. UNITED LONGHORNS 2 - 1 - 0 7 POINTS HAVE SCORED 5 GOALS AND ALLOWED 2 GOALS, THE GOAL
DIFFERENTIAL IS PLUS 3.
The Longhorns are the top of the list to start the season as they have been playing very well. They have a wealth of talent
in all areas of their team and also have depth in their bench play. They seem to be running on all cylinders but have
squandered several important chances to score important goals as they need to be more consistent up top with their
forwards. Aaron Zuniga and Roland Flores have two goals each but it's their willingness to share the ball that sets this duo
apart. The midfield of talented players such as Fernando Flores, Ruben Vallejo, Cesar Guerrero, Arturo Villalba and Jorge
Barroso is extremely versatile but also extremely talented as well. The defense of Robbie Ramos, Oscar Perez and
Rodrigo Zuniga has been decent but needs to tighten up and gel together as the season is very long and very physical.
Whatever few scoring chances the Longhorns have allowed the goalkeepers of Frank Rojas and Oscar Molina have been
up to the challenge in only allowing 2 goals in 3 games. The Longhorns need to be more consistent in their overall play,
keep their focus and keep improving as a team. They look to be ready as their entire team is getting quantity and quality
minutes in play as the season end is still aways off.
2. LBJ WOLVES 2 - 0 - 1 6 POINTS HAVE SCORED 6 GOALS AND ALLOWED 2 GOALS, THE GOAL DIFFERENTIAL IS
PLUS 4.
The LBJ Wolves are back on track after an earlier loss to district leading Del Rio Rams in Del Rio. The long pre-season
and the very physically excruiating Brownsville tournament might have taken some affect on the legs of the Wolves. The
Wolves seem to have caught their second wind and played very well against a good Nixon team last game. The Wolves are
getting solid goalkeeping from Jesus Reynoso along with world class defending from defensive captain Rudy Ramirez. The
midfield is one of the district's best as the Wolves have many playmakers such as Javi Jimenez, Vidal Lara, Jose Montes
and Gerardo Carillo. The Wolves forwards of Juan Segura and Diego Hernandez have caused many headaches for
opposing defenses are working together to get goal scoring opportunities. The Wolves have plenty of talented players in
the bench so look for a few surprise names to make plays as the season continues. The LBJ Wolves will only get better as
the season progresses.
3. NIXON MUSTANGS 2 - 0 - 1 6 POINTS HAVE SCORED 4 GOALS AND ALLOWED 4 GOALS, THE GOAL DIFFERENTIAL
IS ZERO.
The Mustangs have surely surprised a lot of the teams in district as they have not let having several key players out from
achieving early district success. The Mustangs have also proved the soccer guru wrong in his early season last place
ranking but the guru knew they have talent but the guru was not sure that the talent would respond so quickly. The soccer
guru applaudes the Mustangs hard work and team concept to get very important wins. The goalkeeping of Miguel
Caballero has been exemplary while Jesus Perez leading the defense has given the Mustangs stability to their backline.
The midfield play of the fabulous freshmen Jonathan Gallegos and Nicolas Ramirez has run the Mustangs offense
extremely well to control tempo in all the games. Both Gallegos and Ramirez are young but play well beyond their years
and WILL get better as they get more varsity level experience. The forward play of Alejandro Espinoza has been getting
attention as his offensive runs have given the Mustangs that scoring threat that frees up space for the oncoming
midfielders making runs at goal. The Mustangs look to get some players back from academic issues so they will be ready
and tough for any team to beat.
4. MARTIN TIGERS 1 - 1 - 1 4 POINTS HAVE SCORED 9 GOALS AND ALLOWED 5 GOALS, THE GOAL DIFFERENTIAL IS
PLUS 4.
The Martin Tigers did not start the season well and looked defeated even before the rest of the season got under way.
With their backs against the wall, the Martin Tigers showed their heart of a champion and came up with the best
performance in district play from any team. The Tigers dominated all aspects of their game against United South as they
won 7-1. The Tigers seemed to have found the right physical and mental groove to play up to their lethal potential. The
Tigers are getting great goalkeeping from Aldair Gonzalez. The defensive work from Erick Arana, Marco Ramirez and Jerry
Gaytan has steadied the backline. The Tigers are also getting great overall preformances from Armando Pedrote, Jorge
Flores and Christian Arana. The scoring touch of Rafael Barba has emerged as he has 4 goals in his last two games. The
Martin Tigers had a early season hiccup but look poised and more dangerous than ever to not only compete against the
tams ahead of them but defend their district title as well.
5. UNITED SOUTH PANTHERS 1 - 1 - 1 4 POINTS HAVE SCORED 4 GOALS AND ALLOWED 9 GOALS, THE GOAL
DIFFERENTIAL IS MINUS 5.
The Panthers had early season success as they beat Alexander 2-1 and tied United 1-1. The Panthers ran into the
offensive-minded Martin Tigers and got dominated from the get go to a 7-1 loss. The Panthers were playing well before
that game but maybe their youthfulness got exposed too much. The Panthers will need better games from goalkeeper Saul
De Los Santos and better defensive cohesion from Jesse Magana, Joel Garza and Jonathan Collazo. Goals win games but
defense wins championships. The midfield of Jorge Vasquez is working well but needs Irving San Martin and Mario "Pumita"
Contreras to be more consistent if the Panthers are to make a run at the playoffs. The forward duo of Serafin Perez and
Orlando Alvarado have been on the same page and will get more goals but need support from their midfield. The Panthers
were grounded after that Martin loss but these Panthers are young and energetic so that only enthusiasm as well as
exciting soccer.
6. ALEXANDER BULLDOGS 1 - 0 - 2 3 POINTS HAVE SCORED 3 GOALS AND HAVE ALLOWED 4 GOALS, THE GOAL
DIFFERENTIAL IS MINUS 1.
The Bulldogs have been decent in all their games but have been inconsistent defensively. Those mistakes have allowed
key goals to go in that have doomed them so far this season. The Bulldogs need to pass better in their backline and also
have more support from their midfield to quell any pressure being provided from the other teams. The Bulldogs are getting
really good goalkeeping from Bryand Castaneda in goal. The defensive unit of Jorge Rocha and Luis Romero has been
good but needs to be better throughout the game. The midfield play of Lino Gamez, Jorge Fischer and Gustavo Munoz is
good but needs to be up to the challenge against the more experience teams. The offense of Ali Velasco has been
impressive but he needs more oportunities to get scores. Velasco is very creative and very quick so he will get on the
scoreboard several times this season. The Bulldogs have a lot of youth but need to play with that youthfulness and
outwork their competition. The Bulldogs are very talented but just need some time to get it going forward.
7. CIGARROA TOROS 0 - 1 - 2 1 POINT HAVE SCORED 2 GOALS AND HAVE ALLOWED 6 GOALS, THE GOAL
DIFFERENTIAL IS MINUS 4.
The Toros are not having a good start to their season but that has not dimisnished their efforts on the field. They got an
important tie against district powerhouse Martin in a 1-1 game. The Toros have had several not taken advantage of those
scoring opportunities during their games and that has cost them dearly. The Toros goal area is getting good effort from
Gustavo Ochoa but he needs better overall team defense to limit shots on goal. The defense of Ricky Mejia and Chris
Carrillo needs to be solid and just not decent. Bothe these players have lots of talent and will correct those mistakes that
have cost them goals. The midfield for the Toros needs a leader to step up and take the offensive reins to run the offense.
Who will that player be? The Toros midfield has talent but it needs leadership. The forwards of Martin Hernandez and
Alexis Garcia have worked well but need to be more precise in their shots to get goals. Once the goals start flowing you will
see that confidence grow back to where it was in the pre-season. The Toros have lots of passion and pride so look for the
Toros to channel those emotions to gain momentum to go up the rankings.