Mustangs' four goals overwhelm Patriots

By Nathan Hendrix
Sports Editor

The Marble Falls boys' soccer team was able to control possession to secure a 4-2 victory over the East View Patriots on a windy Tuesday night.

The Mustangs (9-0-4) continued their difficult non-district schedule against the number four ranked team in 5A just a week away from the beginning of district play. Head coach Rick Hoover said the challenging schedule was planned to prepare the players for a tough district.

“We tried to schedule our pre-district games as strong as we could make it,” Hoover said. “You don't know how the [players] will respond.”

The Mustangs seem to have responded well. Despite playing several 6A schools and high-ranking 5A schools, the Mustangs are one game away from completing an undefeated non-district schedule.

“It doesn't matter. It really doesn't impact anything,” Hoover said. “District is all that matters. The [players] are excited, and a lot of people are excited about the team. I remind them that nothing matters until district.”

Senior defender Bernabe Torres opened the scoring for Marble Falls early in the first half to give the Mustangs a 1-0 lead. The Patriots got the equalizer, however, just before the horn sounded for halftime.

The goal could've been demoralizing for a Marble Falls team who controlled the game for most of the first half.

“I think it was a wake-up call that [East View] is not giving up,” Hoover said. “I would rather them have scored before halftime so I had time to talk about it than to score in the first minute of the second half.”

Instead, the Mustangs responded in a big way in the second half. They scored the game's next three goals – one by senior forward Isek Munoz and a pair of goals from junior forward Gilder Vasquez – to pull away from East View.

“I think we took them out of their game,” Hoover said. “They fell behind, starting taking chances and it kind of snowballed on them.”

Both teams were forced to play through heavy winds that affected the ball on passes and shots, but Hoover said he's pleased it happened now so the players could experience it before district play begins.

“On the field, [the wind] felt like it was blowing 40 miles per hour, and it made it difficult to control the ball,” he said. “You never know what the weather is going to do. It may be that way the rest of the season. If that's the case, we have to be prepared for it.”

He said overall, the team played improved possession-style soccer, but the team still has things to improve before beginning district.

“It was a really good night for us,” Hoover said. “But we're not near where we need to be; we have a lot to work on. To compete in the district, we're going to have to play better. The [players] know that.”

The Mustangs wrap up non-district play on Friday at home when they host the Cornerstone Christian Warriors. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. following the girls' match.