With only two games remaining to determine which team would advance to state, no one could have anticipated that weather conditions would be so brutal to all who participated. Winners overcome and Saturday was no exception as both the girls and boys teams adjusted and played for the win.

With temperatures in the thirties and wind blowing rain and umbrellas out of the grasp of the fans, the game of soccer and the quest for state remained on schedule. 

   Morton Ranch vs. Kingwood  Boys Soccer 1:30 p.m. 

If there is one thing the Morton Ranch soccer team has that is unyielding besides their defense, it has to be their fans. Taking the win by one goal early in the second half, The Mavericks will advance to state for the first time.

Celebration rocked the stands as the players, coaches, and fans ignored the falling rain and brisk temperature to revel in the defeat of the Kingwood Mustangs.The Mustangs had beaten Langham Creek the evening before in a defensive battle that was won in the last minute of the first overtime period.

Morton Ranch's soccer program is only two years old but has demonstrated that age does not determine the heart or strength of winners. Guided by Coach Fredy Sanguinetti, the Mavericks came into this match having defeated North Shore yesterday in the semi-finals earning a 23-1-1 record for this season.

Although goalkeeper Hernan Ramirez had a fairly uneventful match yesterday, the first 40 minutes of play belonged to Kingwood as they aggresively dominated the field and put up shots.

However, Hernan (as the crowd fondly chants) thwarted the Kingwood attack. It was also with the help of teammate and defender Cody Nowak that a well placed ball by the Mustangs was protected from the net when Hernan stepped out for the save late in the game.

 All it took was one. The Mavericks, fired up from the half time break, came out and put the ball in the net. They spent the remainder of the game defending that goal.

Carlos Parra, senior midfielder headed a shot that bounced off the crossbar allowing Matt Cook the opportunity to get his shot off. It was only 5 minutes into the second half and the Mavericks had 35 minutes remaining to defend their goal against a powerhouse team that had been here before.

The Morton Ranch Mavericks did just that and earned an opportunity to compete at state. When asked about the rain and cold, Coach Sanguinetti stated," when I woke up this morning and saw the rain I knew it would be a good day. We have been blessed as a team and today was no exception."

Congratulations to both teams for the fierce competition and play demonstrated over the weekend!

*** Copies of this reel action available on DVD for $15. Game tape available for $30. Contact lsinclair@athletesconnection.com to place your order. ***

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