Manvel soccer teams make school history

March 22, 2010

MANVEL — The Manvel boys and girls soccer teams did something for the first time in their young history. They both won to become the first soccer teams to win a playoff game.

Both teams made the playoffs last year for the first time in their short history, but both lost in the opening bi-district round.

But both teams have matured and were determined they weren't going to allow their season to end so suddenly this year.

"It's our first playoff win in school history for girls soccer, so we are extremely proud of that accomplishment," head coach Brittany McGuire said of her girls. "The girls are not satisfied with just one win though. We've put so much work into this season -- they are going to push as far as they can. With the bracket set up, we could go far if we play our game."

The Lady Mavericks came out a little flat in the first half, but there was a different energy in the second half.

"C.E. King didn't give us anything," McGuire said. "They made us work for the win, and the competition is going to continue to get tougher. If you don't come to play, then you're going to find yourself knock out."

Despite the lack of sharpness in the first half, the Lady Mavs still scored two goals for a 2-0 halftime lead. But the second half produced more energy as Manvel added three more goals to put the Lady Panthers out of the playoffs with a 5-0 win.

Stacy Wells scored two goals while Tori Moore scored one goal and one assist. Sierra Birx and Allyson Martinez also scored a goal apiece. Lauren Feuz, Morgan Johnson, and Linsey Reed added an assist each.

The Lady Mavs played Houston Reagan on Tuesday (late) in the area round. Results can be found on www.reporternewssports.com on Wedneday.

The Manvel boys finished in second place in District 42-4A behind Friendswood with an 8-2 mark.

"We have done a tremendous job of pulling together and playing great defense and outstanding offense," head coach Robert Partida said. "Jimmy Wells and Caleb Duff play well together up front with some outstanding defense being played by my goalie Cameron Schlegal, Jose Santiago, Alex Miller, David Orta, and Garett Jeske."

Partida cited the play of his midfielders who play both offense and defense. Jesus Contreras, Kingsley Emelouge, and Nolan Henriquez have done a great job controlling the middle of the field.

"I think everyone has put forth great effort to have this kind of season," Partida said. "The boys work hard and want to be successful in the post-season."

Their hard work turned in a first-ever playoff victory as the Mavericks eliminated the Galena Park Yellowjackets 4-1 to advance to the area round of the 4A Region III playoffs.

The Mavericks got a goal from Jimmy Wells in the first half who scored off an assist by Hector Hernandez off a corner kick.

Galena Park managed only one goal in the first half and that came off one of the Manvel defenders when he was trying to clear the ball and it rebounded wrong and went to the back of the net.

However, Manvel re-grouped to begin the second half and blanked the Jackets while Wells scored two more goals and Caleb Duff put the dagger in the heart of the Yellowjackets with a goal to give the Mavs a 4-1 victory.

"We got great defense in the second half as we didn't allow a shot on goal and our goalie Cameron Schelegal had some great saves in the first half," Partida said.

Partida cited the play of Jesus Contreras, Hernandez, Jonathan Mireless, and Kingsley Emoluge for helping the Mavs pick up the win.

Manvel faced Houston Austin on Tuesday (late) at Manvel High School. Go to: www.reporternewssports.com to find out the results.

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