The Lady Cats’ soccer team ended up with a tie and two losses against three big, tough opponents in the Longview Showcase this past Thursday through Saturday. The Lady Cats lost 8-2 to The Woodlands Thursday, lost 6-1 to Denton Ryan Friday and then tied Montgomery, 1-1 Saturday.
Lady Cats Soccer Coach Jesus DeLeon said he knew the large schools would be difficult opponents that would challenge the Lady Cats. He said the opponents would help the Lady Cats against playoff teams later on. Possible bi-district foes include Highland Park, Mesquite Poteet and Wylie East. Coach DeLeon said his team learned lessons against teams with better speed, quicker transition and who made less mistakes.
Coach DeLeon pronounced many of his team’s mistakes and given up goals as fixable. Among the bright moments, Coach DeLeon said a 14-year old ninth grader, Sophie Young, was able to score two goals against The Woodlands. He said going forward if his team eliminates mistakes, with some positive moments, against teams more on our level, the Lady Cats should be just fine. Against Montgomery, goalkeeper Abbi Hale had a rare bad moment allowing a goal. Coach DeLeon said she had made an incredible number of great saves during the showcase. The Lady Cats battled back to tie. Later there was a 30 minute delay due to lightning. Coach DeLeon said both teams seemed to be groggy in the games final 16 minutes and a 1-1 tie was the result.
The Lady Cats, now 5-3-2 for the season, open district play Friday as they’ll play Pine Tree at home. The game will be at the SSHS Track Soccer Field. Coach DeLeon has confidence in his experienced team. He said they have played these district teams for years with success.
