Soccer pre-season

This is a rebuilding year for our soccer program. The loss of key players due to graduation and injuries has left the Mustang soccer team stumbling through the pre-season. “I scheduled tough teams that would get us ready for district,” said Coach Rawls, head coach of the Soccer program. Rawls experienced the success of the Cross Country program due to their hard preparation during the pre-season and expects the soccer guys to do the same. “We have an extremely talented group of young men and I’m sure we will have success for the next couple of years,” added Coach Rawls.

The first games of 2011 were tough. The Mustangs faced Lockhart at home the first game and took a painful loss 2-0.The next couple of games against Lehman and Vandergrift were also losses. Then, the Mustangs went to the Rebel cup that took place at Hays. There, they faced their rival from last year Del Valle (5A) and lost after a very well-fought game. The second round of the tournament, the Mustangs faced Steele (5A) and took another loss but they played (what the Coach considered) the best game the Mustangs have had this year. “We beat them to the ball every time but we just need to hit the net,” said Coach Rawls. The last round of the tournament, the Mustangs played Leander and by this moment, the team had already consolidated and seemed to be working together as a unit. The Mustangs walked into the Rebel Cup as a not very organized and unstable team. They walked out, not with a first place but with lots of invaluable experience and union. The team had grown together and was ready to win.

The Mustangs won their first game this past Tuesday, January 18th, at home against Seguin (4A). The final score was 3-0 after a game that was completely dominated by the Mustangs. The way the team moved the ball and controlled the game was impressive and very much improved from the first games. “Sometimes you just gotta take lumps that will make you better,” said Coach Rawls. The Mustang Soccer team is in a 4A District which promises good results for this season.