From Coach Boorman:
Bulldog Nation:
The Varsity Boys Soccer Team competed in the Canyon Lake Tournament this weekend. The team made great strides in their development and continued to play top quality talent to prepare for district.
They started off by playing Gonzales on Thursday. The boys have been bit by the injury bug, and Captain, Jahir Benitez, and starting goalkeeper Adrian Rojas both suffered ankle injuries. The boys played much better defense as they put lots of pressure on the ball, but after the 1st half the boys were down 2-0 at half-time. The boys ramped up the energy in the 2nd half, showing their grit. They dominated the first 15 minutes as the Bulldogs hit the post twice and got off 6 shots. Hector Arredondo claimed the captain's armband for this game and played like it, connecting multiple times with strikers Bruno Hernandez and Cleto Leon. In the end Gonzales scored one more in the last 10 minutes off a corner to end it 3-0. Gonzales won all three of their games including wins over Lampasas and San Antonio Cole. To add to the sting of defeat, Victor Aviles also picked up an ankle injury at the end of the game.
On Friday, the Bulldogs got the opportunity to play Canyon Lake again. The first result of this game was a 3-1 defeat in December. The boys were really ready for this game. The energy on the field and on the bench was electric as all bench players stood the entire game and cheered on every touch. Josue Ramirez won all of his 50-50 balls and owned the defense. Miguel Valdez played defensive midfield and shut down all Canyon Lake attacks. Lisandro Olvera was a general on the field and hit the post on a shot. Cleto Leon and Bruno Hernandez both had 2 opportunities in front of goal to score and could not convert due to superb keeper play. In the end the referee decided the game by awarding a penalty kick due to a very light foul in the box. It was converted, but did not take away from a stellar night to the uprising star in goal, Matthew Aguayo, who has really stepped up in Rojas's absence. The game ended 1-0 but shows the massive improvement in the boys since the beginning of the year.
The final game was against La Vernia. The Bears came into the game an overwhelming favorite having won most of their games by over 4 goals and defeating Lampasas 7-0. With an early morning start it was hard to muster energy, but the Bulldogs came out and put pressure on the dominant Bears. In the 8th minute of the game Cleto Leon struck from the right side and kissed the post to put the Bulldogs up 1-0. The boys went crazy. However, this awakened the hibernating Bears and they began the barrage. The game finished 7-1, but the boys continued to fight the whole game and had 2 goals called back due to offsides.
This week the Boys will begin district play against Austin Achieve in the first of 3 straight home games. Please come out and support them. The boys are playing with high energy, and should be at full strength after returning Victor, Jahir, and Adrian. Thanks to all of you who help guide them through the week in class.
I am also proud to say that I got to attend this week's board meeting and witness our captain, Jahir Benitez be awarded Student of the Month for BHS. He is a shining example of Spirit, Pride, Honor and earned this recognition. I am so proud to work with these young men.