BROWNSVILLE — District titles carry little meaning at Brownsville Porter. While winning regular season titles is a bonus, the Cowboys are more interested in state championships.
With the Brownsville Lopez Lobos coming to town to attempt to steal the district title, however, the Cowboys took this year’s district championship a little more personal.
Fueled by the rivalry, Cowboys took care of business against their intracity rival Friday, outlasting the Lobos 5-4 in penalty kicks to sweep the season series in the Battle of Southmost and secure the District 32-5A title.
“When it comes to district titles, we tell our kids that it isn’t our main goal,” Brownsville Porter head coach Jose Espitia said. “We just want to make sure we make it into the playoffs. The difference with this one is it was for the championship against Lopez. It is ‘El Clasico.’ When it comes to that, especially with the district title on the line, those title we have to win them.”
Trailing 1-0 just five minutes into the contest, the Cowboys remained cool and collected, knowing the game was far from over. Less than five minutes later the game was back to a draw, with senior midfielder Martin Gonzalez sailing a 40-yard direct kick over the goalkeeper’s head and into the net to tie the game.
Gonzalez added to the Cowboys lead during the 25th minute, corralling a pass inside the box and tapping it in for the go-ahead score.
The Lobos didn’t go away, however, tying the game during the final minute of the first half on a cannon shot from Ramon “Chacho” Zuniga to send the game into the half knotted up at 2-2.
“When they scored that first goal, with us being at home we have that responsibility to defend it,” Espitia said. “The game is 80 minutes, so we knew we had plenty of time. The boys never lost their form or composure. The good thing for us is the tie came less than five minute later.”
The Cowboys carried their momentum into the second half, taking their first lead of the contest during the 56th on a goal by forward Alessandro Lara.
Brownsville Porter seemed in control from that moment on, nearly adding to their lead twice but failing to convert. The missed chances opened the door for the Lobos, with Erick Moreno tying the game during the final minutes to send the game into a penalty shootout.
In PKs, Brownsville Porter goalkeeper Adolfo Ramos came up with a save during the Lobos’ first attempt, setting up the Cowboys 5-4 victory.
“We suffered there towards the end, but the credit goes to Lopez,” Espitia said. “They really wanted the win and they pushed and pushed and went out to look for it. In the end, the fans were the real winners because they are leaving with having watched a playoff caliber game. … For us, we take the trophy and the two points. There are some things to work on but we know Lopez is a tough caliber team that is going to prepare us for the playoffs.”
The victory gives Brownsville Porter a three point advantage in the standings, clinching at least a share of the district title. A win Monday secures the outright district title. The Lobos finish No. 2 in the district, with a chance to secure a share of the district title with a win Monday and a loss by the Cowboys.
The Cowboys (14-1-2) close out the regular season at 1 p.m. Monday against Donna High. The Lobos (14-2-1) travel to Donna North for their district finale at noon Monday.
