By EDWARD SEVERN
Staff Writer
Brownsville Porter finished its season in the Region IV final this year. A massive part of the Cowboys making it that far was Julian Gallegos, The Brownsville Herald’s 2021-22 All-Metro Boys Soccer Most Valuable Player.
“It feels amazing,” Gallegos said. “I have been working hard the whole year. It feels amazing to be the MVP, to be honest. I think I did pretty good this year, in district and in the playoffs.”
Gallegos scored 17 goals and provided 13 assists for the Cowboys this season. Despite his goal-creating prowess, Gallegos said his best attribute is his leadership.
“I always try and tell my teammates positive things,” he said. “I just tried to keep them together and motivate them. I think that is why I was a captain this year.”
Gallegos, District 32-5A’s MVP, and the Cowboys scored 13 goals in the playoffs. Gallegos impacted nearly every goal, whether it be scoring, assisting and even creating space for teammates with off-the-ball runs.
“It was an amazing time playing for Porter these last four years,” he said. “I think the season could have ended better, go to state, but I am proud of myself because I always gave it my all for my teammates. I want to thank my teammates. Without them I would not be the MVP.”
Co-Offensive Player of the Year
Sebastian Gonzalez, Brownsville Hanna, and Javier Ballesteros, Brownsville Veterans Memorial
Brownsville Hanna’s District 32-6A championship team’s offense flowed through Gonzalez.
The left-footed playmaker scored important goals or provided timely assists that were pivotal to the Eagles’ district championship run. Gonzalez finished the season with 10 goals and 12 assists.
“It feels great, it is another great accomplishment I made this year,” he said. “It feels good to be the co-offensive player of the year for the All-Metro team.”
The district champs were knocked out of the playoffs in the first round.
“I liked our senior season,” Gonzalez said. “Even though it ended early, I felt like we could have done more. But, overall, it was a pretty good season. Individually, I could have done more, but it was a solid season for me.”
Gonzalez faced plenty of man-marking in district. The senior said it was like playing basketball, not soccer.
Gonzalez’s favorite goal this year was a direct free kick versus Donna North. Down 1-0, Gonzalez’s strike tied the match. Hanna went on to pick up an extra point after winning the penalty shootout.
“I am just thankful for the award,” he said. “My teammates helped me get this award, and I feel without them I would not have received this award.”
As for Ballesteros, the captain knew he was a key player offensively for Brownsville Veterans based on what his team and coaches said about his abilities.
“All of the hard work that I did and the team did throughout the season paid off,” Ballesteros said. “It was worth it, and I am very appreciative.”
Ballesteros did not disappoint his supporters. The winger dazzled when on the ball, scoring 19 goals for the Chargers this season. His willingness to take on defenders opened the pitch for his teammates for easy assists as well.
“I was not expecting losing in the second round,” he said. “But it was a pretty good season, scoring goals, providing assists and winning the games we did. I was hoping for a district championship, but it was a good season.”
Brownsville Veterans finished one point behind Porter for the district title. During the Chargers’ first-round playoff win, Ballesteros curled a shot by the keeper to give the Chargers a 1-0 victory.
“I appreciate coach Albert Vasquez and the whole team,” he said. “They helped me out through the whole season. Despite losing we stayed motivated, and I am just happy to be part of that team the last four years.”
Defensive Player of the Year
Juan Diego Ruiz, Brownsville Rivera
District 32-6A’s most valuable player found himself in a new role this season for the Raiders. Ruiz dropped into the back line after playing as a holding midfielder for the Raiders in previous seasons.
“I am honored. I worked hard my four years, especially my senior year,” Ruiz said. “I know we did not go far in the playoffs. I feel like I deserve it.”
The possession-heavy team relied on Ruiz’s passings skills and reading of the game to begin attacks, maintain possession and quell opponents’ attacks early in their movements. Rivera smothers teams offensively. Because of that, the defenders have to cover a lot of space and are vulnerable to potential counters.
“We were lacking defenders, so I had to step up to the plate,” he said. “I felt like I fit in well in that position with the team.”
The Raiders gave up the least number of goals in District 32-6A this season, only allowing 11 goals.
“I do not think I would have had a better four years at any other high school,” Ruiz said. “I want to thank my family and everyone that supported me. After my injury as a freshman it was hard.”
Goalkeeper of the Year
Raul Lopez, Brownsville Hanna
The tall and lengthy Raul Lopez was tough to best during his time at Brownsville Hanna.
“It feels good to get this accomplishment and get recognition,” Lopez said. “I have been working hard since my freshman year, and it feels very good to accomplish this goal of mine.”
District 32-6A’s goalkeeper of the year kept six clean sheets in district play and was victorious in the Eagles’ lone penalty shootout win, securing an extra point. Hanna won District 32-6A by one point.
Lopez’s favorite save this season came against Harlingen South. Lopez came up big when he saved a free kick that beat his wall.
“My senior year was amazing,” he said. “Especially, the people that I met and the people that helped me get better, even after practice. Our goal was to win district and go deep in the playoffs. We did not go deep, but I am happy we won district my final year in high school.”
Newcomer of the Year
Martin Gonzalez, Brownsville Porter
Gonzalez broke his collarbone in the last football game of the season his freshman year. He missed the entire non-district and district season.
The All-Metro newcomer of the year received some minutes in the playoffs when he was finally cleared.
“I was not expecting the award. I am happy, and I thank God for this award,” he said. “I also want to thank my family and my teammates for always pushing me to be better.”
This season, Gonzalez lit up District 32-5A and helped the Cowboys reach the regional championship match with 21 goals.
“We are lucky to have a player like him,” Porter coach Jose Espitia said. “Several games this year, Gonzalez was the difference-maker on the field. When he is on the ball, he can change the game.”
Against Roma, during the second round of the playoffs, Gonzalez scored two bangers from outside of the box. His first goal against Roma was his favorite.
Gonzalez played as a midfielder this year but could play higher up the pitch next season for the Cowboys.
Coach of the Year
Jose Espitia, Brownsville Porter
Another year, another deep playoff run for Porter with Espitia at the helm.
The Cowboys’ 22-win season ended at the Region IV final against Dripping Springs. Despite Porter’s pedigree on the pitch, it was a great accomplishment considering they graduated many seniors coming into the season.
“It’s always great to get recognition,” Espitia said. “Having a great season is a reflection of our team. The assistant coaches, managers, players and our administration, we all work together to get good results. I am thankful and blessed to be able to coach these kids.”
The Cowboys are ready for a new district next season with the additions of Donna North and Harlingen South.
