Date change, cold weather doesn’t slow Marble Falls boys soccer
CAPTION: Marble Falls’ Jesse Jimenez battles for the ball during the win against San Antonio Veterans Memorial Jan. 17. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro
The Marble Falls High School boys soccer team defeated San Antonio Veterans Memorial 6-1 Jan. 17 in a match that was played a day later because of the cold weather.
“We really wanted to get the game in for sure,” head coach Rick Hoover said. “Fortunately, Veterans Memorial did, too. I completely yielded to them. I spoke to their coach and athletic director. They wanted to play the varsity game at 5 p.m. It made complete sense.”
Marble Falls led throughout the match, building a 4-1 half-time advantage. That allowed Hoover to substitute freely with the aim of giving reserves as much playing time as possible. He wants to ensure each Mustang can step in and contribute, no matter the circumstance.
“That’s probably the thing I’m the happiest about,” he said. “They played so well. There was never a drop-off. Even after the game got out of hand in our favor, the intensity never dropped. That’s what you want. It’s hard for any team at any level to keep the intensity at a high end.”
Esteban Dominguez scored three goals, one of which came on a penalty kick. Other goals came from Ivan Espino, Garrett Goggans and Isaac Larranaga. Goggans had three assists, while Diego Mata and Espino had the others.
He noted the Patriots’ lone goal came against the Marble Falls starters early in the first half.
“He made a defensive mistake,” the coach said. “It’s another learning experience. There’s no getting your head down. Let’s come back and shut them out the rest of the game.”
He noted the Mustangs begin defense of their co-District 25-4A championship at Lago Vista at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23.
That’s why Hoover told his players they played well enough for a win in pre-district play, and they still have room to improve.
“We’re in a good spot, and we have to get better,” he said. “We missed some goals we should have had. It’s the mentality you have to get. You only get two or three chances per game (to score). It’s why our schedule is such a marathon.”
Marble Falls finishes its pre-district schedule in a 7:30 p.m. home match against Austin Crockett Friday, Jan. 19.
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