To say the regional quarterfinals boys soccer playoff game at Rhodes Stadium ended with an exciting finish would be an understatement. District 18-5A rivals Morton Ranch and Cinco Ranch met head-to-head Tuesday night in an all-out defensive quarrel.

After Cinco Ranch held its lead throughout the entire game, Morton Ranch surged in the last two minutes to pull out a 2-1 victory.


 

This Katy ISD shootout kept a high level of intensity for its entirety. The Cougars set the tone early when midfielder Ryan Silveira scored the game’s first goal with just under 15 minutes in the first half.

That would be the lone goal on the scoreboard for many minutes, as the halftime score was 1-0, Cinco Ranch. Even more so, the second half would remain scoreless for another 38 minutes as each team’s attempt at the goal was unsuccessful.

Both team’s defenses were definitely on their ‘A’ games. There were not many uncontested, open shots for either team as penetrations came a dime a dozen.

But in the last 2 minutes, the game took a sharp turn.

With the game just under the two-minute mark, Morton Ranch’s Julio Rivas slipped behind the Cinco Ranch defense and scored a goal for the Mavericks tying the game up at one apiece.

The Cougars fought back to bring the ball back to their side of the field. But a shot at the goal went unsuccessful and Morton Ranch gained possession.

Soon after, the Mavericks were back on their end and tried a corner kick. The kick landed near the goal and Jonathan Torres took a shot. The shot ricocheted off of a Cinco Ranch defender and eased into the goal. Mavericks win.

Morton Ranch will play North Shore at Deer Park Friday in the regional semifinals round. The game is set for 6 p.m.

Subscribe to this comment's feed