Defensive pressure produces another Marble Falls boys soccer win

CAPTION: Marble Falls senior Marco Almazan (10) scored the Mustangs’ first goal against Belton. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro

The Marble Falls High School defeated Belton 2-0 Jan. 28.

The Mustangs (6-4-1) scored all the goals they needed in the first half.

Senior Marco Almazan scored thanks to an assist from senior Drake Taylor.

Sophomore Jett Marcum also scored on an assist from senior Rigo Lopez Valverde.

Fog began setting in during the second half.

The Mustangs showed their defensive prowess in not letting the Tigers make open passes thanks to their constant pressure on the ball.

Belton spent a lot of time playing defense as Marble Falls kept the proper spacing and was quick to get to the ball to push it toward the Tigers’ goal.

Head coach Ryan Craven said his players aren’t satisfied with where they are.

“They know that we’re getting better at certain areas, but they don’t get down themselves,” he said. “They’re very confident in who they are. That’s huge.” 

Craven said the Mustangs have the green light to attempt a shot anytime they believe they have one.

“I’d rather they shoot than try to dribble around people and get the perfect shot,” he said.

The coach warned his team that Belton (1-8-1) is better than its record indicates. The Tigers haven’t allowed more than 3 goals in any loss.

“They’re a scrappy team and if you don’t get on it at some point, they’re gonna stick around,” Craven said. “Luckily for us, we got two in the first half.” 

The Mustangs have one more match before starting District 26-4A play. Marble Falls travels to play Little River Academy Friday, Jan. 31, with the junior varsity taking the field at 5 p.m. and the varsity at 7 p.m.

Craven said the plan is to use every second to get better before starting the next part of the season.

“It’s just doing the little stuff right consistently,” he said. “We’re kind of like in a little bit of a roller coaster right now. We could play a really good game or we could be up and down, up and down. We just have to be more consistent.” 

CAPTION: Marble Falls senior Rigo Lopez Valverde had an assist during the victory against Belton. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro