Marble Falls Middle School soccer finishes undefeated season
The Marble Falls Middle School boys soccer team ended its season with an 8-0 rout of Liberty Hill Santa Rita May 17 to go unbeaten during the 2022 season for a 6-0 record.
The Mustangs were dominant in their contests where they gave up only two goals all season while averaging more than two a match.
“Both are obviously very notable,” coach Aaron Jimenez said. “But to be able to produce goals at that age is impressive.”
About 35 seventh- and eighth-graders came out for middle school soccer. The undefeated team consisted of players from both grades. The seventh-graders include Ismayl Ismaylov, Sean Jimenez, Jett Marcum and Halejandro Suarez.
The eighth-graders were Joaquin Aguilar, Cesar Alvarado, Jose Campos, Daniel Dominguez, David Dominguez, Demarco Davis, Gunner Deeds, Julio Gaytan, Andi Gomez, William Guzman, Coda Langley, Aaron Luna, Raul Moran and Drake Taylor.
Marble Falls scored some goals off set plays and free kicks. But most were scored by outrunning the opponent and being meticulous to know when to strike, the coach said.
“You have to wait for the right time to have a shot at goal,” Jimenez said. “They have this great vision of the field at that age. The majority of our goals came from us being patient in opening up gaps and making runs. Drake Taylor was constantly on the run. He’d outwork and out-finish (the opponent). They were masters at getting to the back of the net without relying on set pieces.”
He added the undefeated season also is because of the great communication between the coach and athletes. That was especially apparent during halftimes where Jimenez would tell the players what he saw and they would tell him what they’re experiencing on the field. The adjustments were made and the players went back on the field better able to close out opponents.
“It helps me out and helps the second half as well,” he said. “Everyone is up for the communication and engaging in the conversation as well.”
Goals came from several players, and Jimenez noted the eighth-graders have spent years playing together and it showed.
“I think it’s very important to understand the eighth-graders have been leaders and were still welcoming as a family,” Jimenez said. “The seventh-graders were timid at first. Now they’re ready to be the leaders.”
The coach called having a middle school soccer program a blessing.
“When they get to (Marble Falls High School head) coach (Rick) Hoover and the varsity, they’ll have a great understanding and receive the awards,” he said. “Hopefully we did a good job.”
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