The soccer guru continues his annual breakdown and rankings of the soccer teams here in the city. The soccer
guru already announced the boys team breakdown so the soccer guru has saved the best for last. The soccer
guru after endless amounts of tryout sessions, practices, team meetings, scrimmages and games has formulated
an educated guess on the city's girls high school teams. This soccer guru's educated guess is solely based on
the teams soccer play, soccer tactics, soccer mechanics and soccer talent over the course of this pre-season.
So the soccer guru's prediction of the season and the breakdown of every team is an educated guess over all
this time. This educated guess in no way means the soccer guru cannot be mistaken or should be taken
personal by the players. If this educated guess makes your team or player look at their own deficiencies and
improve their game...then the soccer guru has done his job of improving our soccer level. So go ahead and
prove the soccer guru wrong. This educated guess should in no way be taken personally or is not fallible. The
soccer guru is a firmer believer that if this review helps you look at your own team deficiencies and helps you
improve your game then the soccer guru has done his job. So after all the soccer guru's hard work, here is the
city's high school girls team breakdown and rankings.
1. UNITED LADY LONGHORNS:
COACHING:
The Lady Longhorns are under the direction of Head Coach Jerry Vera. Coach Vera is in his 7th year and has
had the Lady Longhorns in the playoffs every year under his watch. Coach Vera served several years as an
assistant coach for the Lady Longhorns before he became head coach. Coach Vera was a stellar soccer player
in the club soccer for Martin High School as there was no UIL-sanctioned in Laredo back then. The Lady
Longhorns also have as part of their coaching staff former United soccer legend and TAMIU soccer great Erika
"Speedy" Alcaraz. Asst. Coach Alcaraz has several scoring and assist records for TAMIU and brings a different
level of training to the Lady Longhorns training sessions.
GOALKEEPING:
The Lady Longhorns have one of the city's most talented goalkeepers in senior Ana Martinez. She has great
height, excellent hands, quick reactions, long punts and moves well in her goal area. She also is efficient in
setting up her walls on free kicks and is not shy about commanding her defense to shift or cover the passing
lanes. She has been a starter most of her high school career so she is not short on varsity experience. On a
soccer guru side note: Ana Martinez always has great winter hats on after the game.
DEFENSE:
The United defense is led by last year's All-District Defensive MVP senior Tanya Reynoso. She possess great
defensive instincts and reads the movement of the oncoming offenses excellently to limit their offensive touches
in the goal area. She will be out a couple of weeks due to injury but picking up the slack is senior Amanda Nunez.
She has great speed and very physical. Nunez also has the scoring ability as she led all the city defenders last
year in goals scored. The other two multi-talented defenders in Ana Karen Geronimo and Margaret Rayos. Both
have great speed and move well together to cover each other as the defense shifts. The defensive unit passes
extremely well out of the back and has been together for some time. Their versatile type of play to come out of
the back passing to help on the attack makes them very dangerous and difficult to counter.
MIDFIELD:
The Lady Longhorns midfield is controlled by one of the city's most versatile player senior Karina Garcia. She is
an early season District MVP candidate as she runs the Longhorns offense. She is natural forward but her
versatility enables her to handle the pressures of running the offense and doing with great success. She can
also play defense and has the great ball-control to weave thru defenders. Her soccer IQ also sets her apart as
she has quick mental reactions to cancel out the opposing teams offenses. Her passing ability is another talent
that is one of the city's top notch. Her other mid field teammates are senior Stephanie Hernandez, junior Shataye
Paulson and sophomore Esmeralda Villarreal. All three have good speed, good ball control and excellent
passers. Shataye Paulson also scored several important goals last season to help in the Longhorns attack. This
midfield unit like to share the ball in the attack and help out a plenty when they need to defend.
FORWARDS:
The Lady Longhorns scoring duties are the responsibility of the probably not only the city's best but the district's
best scoring duo in the "Batman and Robin" show. The scoring duo of juniors Alexia Herrera and Yazmin Garza
have been deadly efficient. Both scored 40 goals plus in last year's district season and do not look to slow down.
Their deceiving speed and excellent ball-dribbling skills help both get an immense shots on goal. They both also
love to share the ball and are always looking to pass to each other or any teammate joining the attack. They are
both excellent free kick takers and have been known to "Bend it like Beckham" from time to time to the dismay of
opposing goalkeepers. Hererra's height also helps her tower over defenders in the aerial game while Garza's
physical yet fluid style of play are more than a handful for any team to control without problems.
Breakout player:
The Lady Longhorns breakout player will be sophomore Ana Karen Geronimo. She raised eyebrows last season
as a superb defender and will only get better this year. She will be called upon to guard the district's best
opposing team forwards and she has the right tools to do it. She is very fast, she is patiently aggressive and is
very smart defensively as she has a no fear type of attitude.
OVERALL:
The Lady Longhorns are the soccer guru's pick as the best team because they have better talent thru their
ranks. They have great goalkeeping, excellent defending, extremely creative midfield play and explosive scorers.
They also did not graduate anyone last year and return everyone from a team that finished second in last year's
district race. They are very versatile and all players pass the ball well. They have a couple of key injuries, a
couple of players still playing basketball and still have some questionable bench depth that will cause problems
but the Lady Longhorns have a resourcefulness about them. The Longhorns need to keep playing thru this
rough patch of injuries and need some of their bench to help make a difference if the Lady Longhorns are to
challenge for not only the city's best but the district's best.
2. LBJ LADY WOLVES:
COACHING:
The Lady Wolves are coached by 2nd year Head Coach Steve Su. Coach Su brings with him four years of play
with Northwood University and several years of play with the Laredo Heat. Coach Su also served as an assistant
coach several years for the Lady Wolves before taking over. Coach Su brings a higher level of soccer training
as he uses his soccer knowledge to help develop the fundamentals of the Lady Wolves soccer skills. Coach Su
looks to continue the playoff streak as the Lady Wolves have always made the playoffs every year since the
school opened.
GOALKEEPING:
The starting goalkeeper for the Lady Wolves is junior Alexa De Leon. She has good height, excellent hands,
high jumping ability and quick reactions in goal. She just has a few varsity games of varsity experience but has
done extremely well in those starts. She had a great Border Olympics in giving up only 4 goals in 4 games. She
also is not shy about knocking down oncoming forwards as she is quick of her line to retrieve the ball. She is will
only get better as the district season goes on.
DEFENSE:
The Lady Wolves defense is run by sophomore Kimberly Sosa. She has a toughness about her that punishes
anyone entering the Lady Wolves defensive area. Sosa also has good ball-handling skills to pass out of the
back without rushing or panicking motions. Sosa also is very deadly on free kicks as she has good range and
accuracy on those kicks. Another star defender for LBJ is Paula Elizalde. She is very good on the defensive
wings as she usually guards the opposing teams best forwards. Elizalde also is very physical and has a good
kick to clear the ball from pressure. Kimberly Flores also has done a good job securing the Lady Wolves
backline as she hustles to close off passing lanes and shifts well to cover any space vacated by Sosa's offensive
runs.
MIDFIELD:
The Lady Wolves offense is under the command of senior Brenda Garcia. She has lots of speed and good ball
control to lead their offensive schemes. She also has the endurance to go on the attack or on the defensive
when need be. Garcia has good offensive moves as she is a forward turned center midfielder. The other
midfielders wingers Sheila Bravo and Selena Garza. Bravo has great vision and creativity while Garza has great
tenacity and grit to fight possession of the ball. Both players make good offensive runs towards the goal with
success this year.
FORWARDS:
The Lady Wolves have one of the most talented and most dangerous forwards in both the city and district. Junior
forward Janet Cazares has sleek moves, killer instincts with the ball and a stellar shot to score goals pretty much
at will. She has the ability to dance around defenders and juke the goalie will thrilling the LBJ faithful to great
joyous roars. Her confidence is also apparent as she can and WILL take on any defense with great success. She
has above average passing skills and has set up her teammates in recent games so this makes her that much
harder to guard or contain. She is very temperamental so that causes her to get silly yellow cards so if she can
control her emotions she can easily be in the MVP talk for the district.
Breakout player:
The LBJ Lady Wolves breakout star will be forward Maria Torres. She has the offensive talent and the presence
to be at the right spot to get shots on goal. She has good offensive vision and uses her passing abilities to open
the game for her teammates. She has already scored several goals this season and looks to help the Lady
Wolves offensive attack.
OVERALL:
The Lbj Lady Wolves will be one of the contenders for the district title. They have a good goalkeeper, a solid
defense, talented midfield and superb forwards. They have looked better and better game after game as they
are constantly adding different variations to their game. They look poised to reach the playoffs once again as
they have a very talented group to compete against anyone in our city and district. If they can continue their
emotions then they can go even further in the standings and the playoffs.
3. MARTIN LADY TIGERS:
COACHING:
The Martin Lady Tigers are coached by one of their former players in 2nd year Coach Sandra Alcorta. Coach
Alcorta use to play for the Lady Tigers before she went on to play for TAMIU. Coach Alcorta has brought a
strong conditioning program and work ethic to the Lady Tigers. She also has incorporated college level skill
training to raise the level of play for the Lady Tigers. Coach Alcorta has a very capable assistant coach in former
Head Coach Julian Rodriguez who was the first ever Lady Tigers coach. Coach Rodriguez brings years of
experience and soccer knowledge to this up and coming team/
GOALKEEPING:
The Lady Tigers goalkeeper is junior Alma Martinez. She is very athletic and has great hands. She is playing her
first year at the varsity level but has impressed opposing coaches with her play. On such coach was Sharyland
Lady Rattlers Head Coach JJ Lopez who said "she has tremendous potential and frustrated our team with her
outstanding play". She also is quick and is not afraid of contact in the box. She is learning more about the
goalkeeping position day after day but has made the difffence already in the Lady Tigers great start to the
season.
DEFENSE:
The Lady Tigers defense is administered by Valeria Aguirre. She has great knowledge of the game so she can
see where the defense needs to be to stop the offensive run. She also has great ball control and can go on the
attack of space is given to her. Aguirre also plays all the positions well and can be used all over the field where
the Lady Tigers need a stop or a score. She is a co-captain of the team and is very good on free kicks. The
other defenders are the very gritty Mayra Ramirez, the enforcer Xiomara Aguilar, the strong Karla Partida and
the very fast Ashley Quintanilla. The defense is also where you can find one of the city's best defenders in the
imposingly strong and tall Mayra Muniz. She can control the aerial aspect of the game and will knock opposing
players down. She has great jumping ability and is a two-sport star. That's where the problem lies because she
will miss several important games due to basket ball duty. The Lady Tigers defense is good but with Muniz in the
mix it is one of the city's best so she is an integral part of their playoff hopes.
MIDFIELD:
The Lady Tigers offense is managed by junior Jassel Ruiz. She has raised her level of play as she worked out as
a member of the Laredo Heat girls team to which she has shown great endurance and great ball handling. Ruiz
also has very creative ideas in the midfield and is not afraid to take a chance on making the big high pressure
pass. The other mid fielders are co-captain senior Damaris Gamas, junior Amy Tenorio and sophomore Rebecca
Sandoval. Gamas has the versatility to play any position on the field but she also possess the speed needed to
open the game on the side and also has great defensive skills where she can man-mark any type of player with
great results. Gamas also likes to pressure the ball so opposing players will be hard press and under pressure
on her side of the field. Tenorio is very quick and likes to go up on the attack. Tenorio also has plenty of
endurance so look for her to be going all out when she gets into the game. She is an above average passer so
look for her to maintain possession or distribute the ball. Sandoval is new to the varsity scene but hs shown her
talent as she has assisted on some plays that have led to goals or steals to get possession of the ball.
FORWARDS:
The Lady Tigers have one of the most talented and prolific scoring duos in the city. Senior Norma Herrera and
junior Analee Chavarria have scored a plenty during the pre-season. Herrera has great touch on the ball and is
an excellent passer. Herrera also has a quick burst of speed to get separation between the defenders and her to
get shots on goal. Herrera also has a good strong kick that has made several world class goals over the years at
the varsity level. Herrera has great communication and understanding with fellow forward Analee Chavarria to
get the scoring started. Chavarria has that breakout speed that dazzles the crowd and causes headaches for the
opposing team. Chavarria has great control of the ball as she is making those darting runs towards goal.
Chavarria has an extremely powerful kick that has found the back of the net plenty of times. Both players also
have great condition so they will pressure the defenses and cause mistakes that will turn into offensive
opportunities.
Breakout player:
The Martin Lady Tigers breakout player will be Norma Herrera. She has a great knack to weave around the
defenses and set up her teammates. She will be left one on one as most of the defensive attention will be on
Chavarria and Herrera knows how to get on the score sheet or at least get an opportunity to score. Look for her
to stun the defenses and goalkeepers with her talents.
OVERALL:
The Martin Lady Tigers are a very solid team. They have great overall conditioning and are developing their
bench players quickly to help out in the games. They also have a solid starting core to rival any starting 11 in the
district. If they can keep their defensive shape and limit the gaps between the positions this group can be
dangerous. They look ready to get back to the playoffs after an 11 year hiatus and the future looks bright for
them.
4. UNITED SOUTH LADY PANTHERS:
COACHING:
Coaching duties for the Lady Panthers have fallen on the shoulders of Head Coach Letty Garza. She is in her
second year but has had several years head coach experience at the junior high level. She has coached several
of her players in middle school so this gives her a great familiarity with this group. Coach Garza also has gotten
the Lady Panthers to work together and have great conditioning.
GOALKEEPING:
The goalkeeping starter for the Lady Panthers is Brenda Lira. She is small in stature but more than makes up for
it guts and bravery to get every ball. She has great reactions in the box and is tough as nails when it comes to
contact in the box. She has gotten better at cutting off angles of high shots and has improved her jumping ability.
She has developed her game year after year and has gotten better hand reaction.
DEFENSE:
The Lady Panthets defense is lead by junior Claire Gaytan. She is very good in controlling the traffic in front of
her and has a strong kick to send the ball up. She also reads the game good and is excellent on free kicks. She
is flanked by two speedsters sophomore Jacky Moreno and junior Alexa Solis. Both are fleet-footed and are
physical tough to get by. Both also have the ability to go up on the attack so opposing midfielders have to mark
them as the go up. Moreno is more versatile as she can also play midfielder and forward with a great shot on
goal. Solis is a solid defender as she knows how to cut off the angles and also quick to neutralize the
counterattacks. Center stopper Beatriz Gomez is as solid a defender you wil find as she tends to slide tackle,
kick out or hustle her way to every possession. Freshman defender Valeria Leone also helps out immensily as
she has great speed and defensively solid to cover those top flight forwards. Leone also comes from a great
pedigree of a soccer family as her mother and cousins have all been soccer allstars so Valeria is no exception.
MIDFIELD:
The South midfield is ruled by senior captain Jacky "Fishy" Rodriguez. She has a great kick and has the soccer
IQ to get the better out of any situation. She has the endurance and the know-how to be a game-changer. She is
also very dangerous on free kicks and penalties as she has a high caliber fast kick. Rodriguez will be out a
coupe of weeks with an injury but you can bet once she is back the Lady Panthers will be running on all
cylinders. The control of the Lady Panthers offense is junior Samantha Vasquez responsibility. She has the skills
and the vision to run the show in midfield. She is cool and calm with the possession and does not crack under
pressure. Senior Lety Garza also brings a little creativity to the game as she has great skills with ball control and
will juke you out of your cleats. Garza likes to attack and will pass first before she thinks of her own shot.
Sophomore Xiomara Lopez brings a stability to the midfield to help control the flow of the game while also
exposing those open areas for Lopez's diagonal runs into the box.
FORWARDS:
The scoring trio of seniors Tiffany Juarez and Yvette Gonzalez along with Maria "Red" Chapa will take the district
by storm. Juarez is very crafty and determined when she has the ball. Juarez also has great technical ability to
fire an array of different offensive shots and is lightning quick. Gonzalez is very calm under pressure and is a
good passer in the goal area. Gonzalez has set up her teammates already several times this season for some
goals. "Red" or "Reese's" Chapa is very fiery and feisty once she gets on the soccer pitch. Her aggressiveness
has created turnovers that the Lady Panthers have scored from. This forward trio works well together as they all
pressure and rotate their positions to confuse the defenses.
Breakout player:
The Lady Panthers Breakout player will be sophomore Karina Gonzalez. She has the height for the aerial game
and also the height to effectively intimidate opposing players. She has the endurance and conditioning to run the
whole game at a fast pace. She possess the speed and technical ability to blow by opposing defenders to score
goals or to assist on such runs. She will turn plenty of heads with her superb play at any position Coach Garza
puts her in. She also has that drive and heart to give 110 percent every game and that will only raise the level of
her teammates.
OVERALL:
The United South Lady Panthers are a very talented bunch. They have plenty of pieces with enough talent to
make some noise and scare a couple of teams. The most impressive thing about the Lady Panthers is that you
can take out any starter and there is one on the bench just as good. That will benefit them as the long and
gruelling district season goes on. The Lady Panthers can make the playoffs but they will need to limit their
mistakes and score those easy goals they have squandered lately.
5. NIXON LADY MUSTANGS:
COACHING:
The Nixon Lady Mustangs are under the direction of 3rd year Head Coach Gris Quijano. She is coming off a
re-buiding year where she had a really young group that lacked varsity level experience. She has this same
group playing great team ball as they all return with a year of experience. Coach Quijano has them playing
together, staying positive and mentally strong. Coach Quijano also has incorporated a conditioning program that
has this group pressuring all game long.
GOALKEEPING:
The goalkeeping aspect for the Lady Mustangs is done by sophomore Diana Shakira Morales. She has great
athletic ability, cat-like reactions, great movements inside her goal area and has that "it" goal keper instinct. She
is new to the position but has held her own in the pre-season with the more established teams in the city. She
also has a long distance punt that works well to get the offense started. She will improve as the season moves
along.
DEFENSE:
The Lady Mustangs defense is young but is very energetic. Sophomore defenders Marisol Amozurrutia and
Regan Leza are very quick and defensively sound. They both have gotten better reactions defensively after a
year in the trenches. The defense is also helped out by Eugenia Dimas and Kassandra Cornejo. Both have
decent speed but it's their reaction to the oncoming play that gives them that spit second to stop that run. The
defense is still getting accustomed to each other but is improving game by game.
MIDFIELD:
The Lady Mustangs midfield is run by senior Lupita Perez. She is a very small but aggressive player. She never
backs away from a challenge and will fight possession of the ball. She has good dribbling control and passes well
from midfield. Kassandra Cornejo, Azeneth Ibarra and Glenda Stendabach solidify the midfield with their
physical-style of play and stamina. Stendabach also doubles as an excellent goalkeeper along as a dangerous
free kick taker. Cornejo is quick and has a great shot. Ibarra has the focus to limit the touches of the offensive
player on her side.
FORWARDS:
The forwards for the Mustangs are twins Amanda and Ada Aguilar along with Jacky Estevis. The twins are very
fast while having the presence of mind to juke the oncoming defenders for shots into the net. Both twins have
scored already in the pre-season and are looking for some more. Estevis is tall and is very tough to stop as she
tends to run over defenders with her skills. This offensive unit is up and coming and already looks dangerous.
Breakout player:
The Lady Mustangs breakout player will be sophomore forward Yahaira Lara. She has the goal scoring ability as
she has a good shot on goal but also has the right offensive moves to move past defenders. She already is the
leading scorer for the Lady Mustangs and is an exceptional passer. Lara will be her team's offense of choice as
she also is a very good defender.
OVERALL:
The Lady Mustangs will improve on last season's record because they have put the effort in the off season.
They might not have the fire power to contend with the upper teams but they will make you work for those three
points. Look for Lara and Stendabach to have a big year as they have a decent supporting cast to go up the
ranks.
6. ALEXANDER LADY BULLDOGS:
COACHING:
The Alexander Lady Bulldogs Head Coach Charlie Gonzalez. He brings a contagious energy and positive
attitude. Coach Gonzalez has coached for 5 years and has made the playoffs every year he has coached.
Coach Gonzalez has a really young group this year but he is not shy about working his team through this
rebuilding year. Coach Gonzalez has the Lady Bulldogs playing good after a few hiccups but they will go up the
ranks as time permits.
GOALKEEPING:
The Lady Bulldogs goalkeeping duties are handled by Sabrina Ramirez. She looked nervous in her first varsity
start at the Border Olympics but improved game after game. She has a good goal kick and has good hands for
those hard shots on goal. She has good reactions to the ball and does not shy away from contact.
DEFENSE:
The Lady Bulldogs defense is captained by senior Georgette Galvan. She is extremely fast and is a very good
defender. She also has the technical ability to play forward or midfielder if need be. Galvan is already in
mid-season form as she trains year round with the Laredo Heat girls traveling team.
MIDFIELD:
The midfield for the Lady Bulldogs has two very important members. Center midfielder senior Samantha
Gonzalez has the skill set to control the midfield. Gonzalez has great ball-possession skills and is very energetic
with the ball. Sophomore Cecilia Avila is a very talented winger that has the stamina to control that side of the
field. Avila is a very creative passer and has the know-how to take over game with her footwork.
FORWARDS:
The Lady Bulldogs forwards are not set yet but will discuss the ones viaing for the position. Loren Long has
looked impressive as she made a couple of runs towards goal that have not found their mark. Palmira Martinez is
coming off a long injury but once healed completely Martinez will take the Lady Bulldogs back to the upper
echelon of play. Martinez is considered to be the quickest forward in the city and also has the talent to score
many goals.
Breakout player:
The Lady Bulldogs will be Cecilia Avila. In her second year of varsity play, she has the footwork and offensive IQ
to run the show for the Lady Bulldogs. She also has a solid free kick and she is in good condition to play the
entire game.
OVERALL:
The Alexander Lady Bulldogs are in a rebuilding year. They lost 7 starters from last year but continue to work
hard to improve in time for district play. They are a young and inexperienced team but the Bulldogs coaching
staff has the game plan to get the Lady Bulldogs back on the playoff track.
7. CIGARROA LADY TOROS:
COACHING:
The Lady Toros are under the new coaching direction of Roger Garcia. Coach Garcia has the Lady Toros
working hard in practice and its shows in the results so far in the game. Coach Garcia has an excellent coaching
staff in Coach Esparza and Coach Berlanga. Both these gentleman use to be either head coach or asst. head
coach and bring with them great ideas. Coach Garcia has this group dreaming big as they are playing
aggressive and playing team ball nicely.
GOALKEEPING:
The Lady Toros goalkeeping duties is being split up between two goalkeepers. These goalkeepers are Isis
Adame and Carmen Martinez. Both have good hands and good reactions in the box. Both also have good length
on the kicks as to help their defense. Adame is the more experience keeper while its only Martinez second
season as goalkeeper.
DEFENSE:
The Lady Toros defense is commanded by Karla Rodriguez. She has a tall and lanky frame with relative
quickness. She is assisted by Kimberly Garcia and Mayra Vargas. Both Garcia and Vargas are tough defenders
who have great work ethic to see the defending all the way thru.
MIDFIELD:
The midfield is run by Carolina Posadas. She has the right ideas and right control of the ball to set her apart fro
her teammates. Barina Ramos has also emerged as a strong all-city candidate as she has good skill on the ball.
Ramos has also scored a couple of goals to help on the offensive end.
FORWARDS:
The forwards for the Lady Toros are Jessica Vargas and Edith Rodriguez. Both has speed and skill but Vargas
has a deadlier shot on goal. Rodriguez is a better overall defender while Vargas just has that ability to score
goals. Both pass well to their teammates and both never quit on any one play. Vargas is playing at a whole other
level as she has scored a goal in every game but one so far this season.
Breakout player:
The Lady Toros Breakout player will be Barina Ramos. She has impresses other coaches and the soccer guru
with her drive to get every ball anf also the drive to push her teammates to get better. She will score some goals
to help with the offense.
OVERALL:
The Lady Toros have a good team but they just need to gel first. They have good talent but need a little more
bench depth to rise in the rankings. They do play entertaining style of soccer but they need to be more
consistent in their scoring.
SOCCER GURU'S TIP OF THE DAY:
THE GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER TEAMS TRAIN JUST AS HARD OR HARDER THAN THE BOYS DO. SO GO
OUT AND SUPPORT YOUR FAVORITE GIRLS TEAM AS THEY START THE SEASON WITH A COUPLE OF
EXCITING MATCHES. SO GRAB YOUR COAT AND INVITE A FRIEND TO SEE EL JUEGO BONITO HAPPENING
AT A SOCCER STADIUM NEAR YOU.