EDINBURG — Edinburg High goalkeeper Kevin Aguilar saved Edinburg North’s first attempt in penalty kicks, setting up Dante Luevano’s go-ahead goal as the Bobcats defeated the Cougars 4-3 in a shootout victory Tuesday at Edinburg High.
The penalty kick win earns the Bobcats two points and keeps their playoff hopes alive heading into the Friday’s district finale. Edinburg High sits in fifth in District 31-6A with 13 points, trailing Mission High in the standings for the final playoff spot by two points.
The Bobcats found themselves in a hole less than halfway into the first half, trailing their crosstown rival 2-0 just 14 minutes into the game.
A goal by Edinburg North’s Jesus Martinez less than a minute into the match set the tone for the Cougars, with Anthony Flores adding the team’s second goal during the 14th minute.
The Bobcats roared to life late in the second, cutting their deficit to one on a converted penalty kick by Jesus Torres during the 33rd minute. The attempt came after a hand ball by the Cougars inside the box.
Torres’ goal energized the Bobcats, applying the offensive pressure looking for the game-tying score. The goal came just four minutes later, with Ramon Olivares corralling a long cross from Cristian Castillo inside the box and tapping it in for the score to make it 2-2 at the break.
The reinvigorated Bobcats kept the pressure on during the second half, nearly netting the go-ahead goal on several occasions while controlling the time of possession.
The Cougars defense held tight, however, keeping the two teams deadlocked at two and send the game into penalty kicks.
A pair of failed attempts by the Cougars, including Aguilar’s save, opened the door for the Bobcats victory, with Ethan Garcia, Ramon Olivares, Abraham Ortiz and Dante Luevano all converting their attempts to secure the two points.
Despite the PK loss, the Cougars still secured a spot in the postseason Tuesday, earning one point with the draw in regulation.
The Bobcats and Cougars both wrap up the regular season at 8 p.m. Friday. Edinburg High (3-3-3) hits the road against PSJA High (0-8-1). Edinburg North (5-1-3) hosts Edinburg Economedes (5-2-1) in a battle for the District 31-6A title.
