EDINBURG — People had every reason to doubt Edinburg Economedes’ boys soccer team heading into the 2023 campaign.
The Jaguars entered the year fresh off two consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance, including a last-place finish in the district last year.
Edinburg Economedes also opened the season with a fresh face at the helm following the departure of longtime head coach Sam Gonzalez, with former girls soccer assistant coach Juan Rodriguez taking over the program.
All that hasn’t fazed the Jaguars this year, with Edinburg Economedes sitting in first place in District 31-6A after one round of play following a 3-1 victory over city rival Edinburg North on Tuesday at Edinburg Economedes.
“The kids have done a great job,” said. “All credit goes to them. They bought in to our program. We told them from Day 1 that this was our year. You make them believe that, and they are believing it, they’ll show it on the field.”
The Jaguars trotted onto the field Tuesday filled with confidence, fresh off a 3-1 victory over La Joya High. Their matchup against city rival Edinburg North was one marked on their calendars, Rodriguez said, knowing the district lead was on the line.
The Jaguars’ confidence wasn’t shaken when the Cougars drew first blood during the 10th minute, battling back and tying the game on a penalty kick by Bryan Garcia during the 23rd.
Garcia’s goal, along with the wind at their backs, shifted momentum for the Jaguars, controlling possession and biding their time for the go-ahead score.
That moment came during the waning moments of the first half, with Garcia finding an opening in the Cougars’ defense and asking for the ball before delivering a beautiful arching shot over the goalkeeper’s outstretched arms and into the net for his second score of the day and the Jaguars’ lead.
“I had passed the ball then moved to the opening in the defense and asked for it back,” Garcia said. “From there I just let it fly with my left foot, and with the help of the win it went in.”
The Jaguars put their final touches on their victory during the 71st minute, with Juan Rios sprinting past the defense and drawing the goalie out before tapping it past him into a wide-open net to make it 3-1.
Through five games, the Jaguars have already eclipsed last season’s district win total of three. They sit at 4-1-0 at the midway point of league play, including a sweep of city rivals Edinburg High and Edinburg North during Round 1.
Their 12 points give them a two-point advantage in the standings over the Cougars, who sit in second with 10 points.
“It was a very difficult game,” Garcia said. “I’m very proud of everyone on this team. We were able to finish Round 1 in first place, but we’re not done yet. Practices, we’ve been going hard out there. The discipline has changed from the past few years. Our guys look more focused than years past. We just have to keep working hard now and not settle, because we still have Round 2.”
The Jaguars (4-1-0) kick off the second round of district play at 8 p.m. Friday, hosting the PSJA High Bears (0-5-0). The Cougars (3-1-1) look to get back in the win column on the road at 8 p.m. Friday against La Joya High (2-2-1).
