Despite a frustrating 5-4 loss to Manor New Tech that went into overtime and a shootout afterwards, the Rockdale Tiger soccer team is going to the playoffs for the first time in school history in it’s first season as a University Interscholastic League program.
“I’m pumped,” said Gilberto Rodriguez, Rockdale High School head soccer coach. “This is huge for me and I’m really happy.
“I also want everyone to come out and support us... because it’s going to be here in Rockdale.”
The Tigers clinched a playoff spot last Wednesday with a 7-0 win over Hearne and played on Tuesday night for third place with New Tech. After the loss, Bellville head coach Ben Powell, who was at the game scouting his potential opponent, and Rodriguez flipped a coin to decide which team would get home field advantage since both parties were unable to find an available neutral site. Rodriguez won the flip and now the Tigers will play their first home postseason match on Thursday, March 28. The time has yet to be determined since Giddings and Taylor are expected to play their bi-district playoff game before them that day in Rockdale.
The Brahmas finished first in District 25-2A with a record of 9-0-3, tying Giddings twice and La Grange once.
The Tigers lost to La Grange 2-1 on Tuesday, Jan. 22 on the road.
“I’m pretty confident that we can put it together,” Rodriguez said. “We have plenty of time to prepare for them too.
“I’ve talked to some coaches and heard they have a lot of depth and they’re quite physical, but I don’t think their district was as competitive as ours. They tied and beat La Grange, which we played them really close, especially for early in the year.”
MANOR NEW TECH—
In their 5-4 shootout loss to the Titans, the game started out slow, but Rockdale gained momentum in the second half when Chris Olvera drew the MNT goalie out of the pocket and put the Tigers up 1-0.
RHS continued to fight, but lost steam when New Tech scored midway through, tying the game at one.
“We lacked energy after that.” Rodriguez said.
“We needed to beat them by two goals in order to take third place.”
Both teams ended regulations tied and stayed tied after overtime. In the shootout, MNT won when they outscored Rockdale 4-3 in shootout, winning 5-4. Ryan Nguyen, German Mata and Olvera made goals in the shootout.
HEARNE—Last Wednesday, the Tigers defeated Hearne 7-0 at home where they clinched a playoff spot.
Olvera led the team with five goals, his second most since scoring six in a 14-0 win over Waco Connally on Friday, Jan. 4. Luis Iruegas scored and Joan Pacheco also scored one.
LADY TIGERS—In their final game of the season, the Rockdale Lady Tigers lost to Manor New Tech 2-0.
“We had a game where we played well in the first half,” Rodriguez said. “But in the second half, things didn’t go our way.
“Kaylee (Criswell) played really well at goalie and did everything she could, especially when they had free shots.”
The Lady Tigers ended the season 2-18-1 overall and 1-9 in District 26-4A play with a 5-4 shootout win over Georgetown Gateway on Saturday, March 2.
The girls lose two seniors, Criswell and Elysia Ruelas, a key defender for RHS this season.
“We’ll have to get situated at goalie and evaluate how this season went,” Rodriguez said. “Hopefully we can do a little recruiting too so we have more depth and don’t risk being short-handed when injuries occur.”
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