The Rockdale Tiger soccer team lost to Eastside Memorial for the second time in District 26-4A play this season, falling 3-0 on Friday night at the new Tiger Stadium.
“We honestly did an outstanding job,” said Gilberto Rodriguez, Rockdale High School head soccer coach. “We were missing four guys on defense and were without German Mata since he got hurt in the Cameron.
“It was kind of like the Taylor game where we were very defensive-minded, always keeping our guys back. In this game, I saw a lot more improvements and we did well. I could tell the Eastside coach and their players were frustrated.”
The Cougars took lead 1-0 at halftime and scored twice more in the second half. According to Rodriguez, the Tigers held their own on offense.
“Unlike the other games where we were shutout, we moved the ball down the field more,” Rodriguez said. “I thought we did well.”
The Tigers were without defenders Layne Rash and Ethan Hughes, who were competing at the Buffalo Relays in Giddings that day and Dylan Diestel and Alberto Torres were out of town.
The Tigers lost 5-0 to the Taylor Ducks after press time on Tuesday evening. RHS is 3-5 in District 26-4A and face Hearne on Wednesday. At their first match in Robertson County, Rockdale defeated the Eagles 10-0. This time, the Tigers are playing to clinch a playoff spot.
“I’m excited for our guys,” said Rodriguez. “And I know they’re pumped at a chance to make the playoffs in their first ever UIL season.
“With a win over Hearne, we’ll at least clinch fourth place, but we still have a chance to get third. Because we play Manor New Tech in our final district game. They beat us 2-1 last time and that was on the road.”
The kick-off is scheduled for noon.
LADY TIGERS—The girls also lost at home to Eastside Memorial, losing 2-1 and their chances of heading to the post-season.
“That was the last shot,” said Rodriguez. “We had our opportunities.
“We missed a penalty kick and just couldn’t make things go the way we wanted it to go. I thought played well, but things happen.
The Lady Tigers fell to 1-8 in District 26-4A play with a 5-0 loss to Taylor on the road Tuesday night.
They play their final game of the season on Tuesday, March 19 against Manor New Tech. The last time RHS faced the Lady Titans on Tuesday, Feb. 26. MNT won 2-1.
The kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. following the boys game.
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