The crowd that greeted the Cinco Ranch boys soccer team following its 2-0 regional semifinal victory Friday night acted like it got lost on the way to a U.S. national game.

But the fans – some of whom were waving American flags – can’t be blamed for being boisterous, even in a driving rain with temperatures in the high-50s.

Even coach John Crow seemed ready to jump out of his skin after the Cougars shut out Clear Lake in a 5A-Region III game at Deer Park’s Abshier Stadium. After all, it was another landmark victory for the undefeated Cougars, who in the school’s decade-long history have never advanced this far.

“We have a skilled team, and they had a different look (in their eyes) today when I saw them,” Crow said. “Today I saw guys who had that glow and that pop in their step. … They’ve just done a great job. They’ve moved the ball well; that’s our deal.”

Midfielder Preston Davis and forward Olie Hill scored to advance the Cougars (21-0-6) into Saturday’s 2:30 p.m. regional final at Abshier against Kingwood.

Davis scored off a corner kick with 9:30 left in the first half, punching in a header. Juan Fernando Nino provided the assist, further illustrating why Cinco Ranch has arguably the area’s most dominant midfield.

“We have different playing styles and we accompany each other well,” Davis said. “The defense is so good at moving the ball. They don’t just kick the ball up; they use the middle. It’s really not us (the midfielders). We do everything other midfielders do. Our players are working hard and getting open.”

Nino assisted on Hill’s goal with 37:57 left. Hill scored two goals Tuesday in the Cougars’ quarterfinal win against Mayde Creek.

“We knew (Clear Lake) had a good midfield and a solid sweeper,” Crow said. “We knew they tracked real well on the outside so they were almost the same type of team we are. We knew they were good on the counter attack … but we made some adjustments and pushed up against their quick counter. Then we punched in (Hill’s) goal pretty quick there in the second half.”

Clear Lake finished 21-2-2.

Just before the Cougars broke their postgame huddle, Crow raised his index finger, signifying how many wins separate the team from next weekend’s state tournament.

“We have more fans than we’ve ever had and it shows in the excitement of the team,” Davis said. “Every game we get more excited. We’ve never been this far and we’re undefeated. It’s just great.”

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