Boys soccer learns lessons from loss

Wimberley High School’s boys’ soccer team lost 0-1 on January 22 to Cedar Creek, a Texas 5A school. Before the game, Texan coach Ramez Antoun knew the Eagles would be tough because they had won the district three out of the last four years.

Cedar Creek scored a goal almost immediately. But after that shock, the Wimberley defense kept them in the game. “Down only one goal, we still had a chance to equalize but we struggled to establish possession,” Antoun said. “As the game wore on, we grew stronger but we were not able to convert on our shots.”

One positive after the game was that the Texans’ defense kept them in the match. “Strong defense will always keep a team in a game,” Antoun said. “In fact, as the game wore on, we still had a chance to equalize with one goal and get a tie. The other takeaway for our players was that this was a 5A team we played and this is the level that winning playoff games looks like.”

Against LaVernia this Friday, Antoun expects the team to play better than a month ago because, as he says, “We’re just better than we were a month ago.” Unfortunately, the Texans recently have missed several crucial starters with injuries including center-defender Baily Shott as well as defenders Brian Schmidt and Brian Maguire. “Without these starters, we’re constantly shuffling players from their best positions which hurts the cohesiveness of the whole team,” Anton says. “But, Mason O’Connor has stepped up to fill some of our defensive needs. He’s new to the center-defender position but he’s adapted well. He’s very vocal so it helps him to organize the defense. He’s become a big part of this year’s team strength.”

District playoff competition begins for the Texans on February 12 with a home game against ever-challenging Fredericksburg. The Texans’ record now stands at 6-5 after Friday’s game.