Varsity Lions tie Taylor 3-3, Elgin 1-1

By Alonzo Garza
POST-REGISTER

The Varsity Lions’ soccer team is on a “tie game streak.” The Lions tied the Taylor Ducks 3-3 after traveling to Taylor on Tuesday, Feb. 3 and the Elgin Wildcats 1-1 during a home game at Lion Stadium on Friday, Feb. 6.

That makes three tied games in district play for the Lions, who also finished with a 1-1 tie after t

raveling to Smithville to face the Tigers in late January.

Lions vs. Elgin
In the Elgin game, the Lions dealt with windy conditions and a tough Wildcat team.

“We played a very skilled, well coached team tonight,” Coach Joshua Johnson said. “I think our guys learned a lot about themselves and what it is going to take to compete in this district for the playoffs.”

The Lions opened scoring in the first half with a header from Johnny Juarez, who scored off a corner kick by freshman Khalil Karl.

According to Johnson, Karl has had an impressive first year start with the Varsity team so far, and the Lions proved they could work hard for their goals, especially against tough opponents and challenging weather conditions at Lion Stadium with their game against Elgin.

The second half was the most challenging for the Lions. Goalkeeper Mauricio Gonzales defended the goal well until the last minutes of the game when Elgin scored, ending the game in a 1-1 tie.

“This is one of those games where a tie is a good result,” Johnson said. “Plus, we still had a chance to win late in the game. The boys worked their tails off. I’m proud of them.”

Lions vs. Taylor
The Lions scored first against the Ducks by putting two goals on the board in the first 20 minutes of play.

The Ducks came back to change the score to 2-1 and again before the end of the first half for a 3-2 score before the break.

The Lions continued to fight late into the second half. They scored one additional goal, which was disallowed by the officials, leaving the Lions in a vulnerable position.

The Ducks took advantage of their opportunities to score and scored with two minutes remaining at the end of regulation play ending the game at 3-3.

“This is not the first time we have given up goals to end halves,” Johnson said. “It is something we need to take a long look at going into our next match.”

The Lions took their undefeated streak to Manor on Tuesday, Feb. 10 and will host Del Valle at Lion Stadium on Friday, Feb. 13. JV plays at 6 p.m. and Varsity at 7:45 p.m. Check next week’s Post-Register for scores and highlights.

See you at the game.

agarza@post-register.com