Soccer tournaments limited in RGV due to pandemic

The UIL soccer season has commenced, but like most athletic seasons this school year, the season in the Rio Grande Valley will look a little different.

Tournaments and showcases are typically plentiful in the RGV, giving the teams across the area a chance to prepare for their district seasons by competing with the plethora of successful programs nearby. But with the UIL putting strict guidelines and regulations in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, tournaments won’t be much of a factor this year.

The UIL has mandated a maximum of four teams will be allowed at one site at any time, and the two teams involved in a game must leave the facility before the next two teams are allowed to enter and start warming up on opposite ends of the field. Teams are allowed to play up to three games per week in lieu of tournaments.

“There’s not really any trophy tournaments going on this year,” Los Fresnos coach Michael Miller said. “Maybe in North Texas or West Texas, but we’re kind of stuck down here. It’s been kind of a tough year, but as long as the boys get to play, I’ll be happy.”

Los Fresnos and Harlingen South were trying to hold a tournament in memory of late, long-time RGV sports reporter Roy Hess, but the restrictions complicated the matter. Brownsville ISD also had to call off its boys and girls tournaments, and the South Texas Showcase won’t be taking place either. Miller said he’s hopeful to have the memorial tournament next season.

Instead, Harlingen South will be playing host to a four-team showcase this weekend at the Hawks’ mini stadium. South, Brownsville Porter, Sharyland High and McAllen Rowe will be participating. The Hawks are scheduled to play Sharyland High at 10 a.m. today, followed by McAllen Rowe at 12:30 p.m.

The Porter Cowboys will face Sharyland High at 5:30 p.m. today. They’ll play two games Saturday, the first against McAllen Rowe at 10 a.m. and then Harlingen South at 12:30 p.m. to close out the showcase. Each team will have two players selected to the all-tournament team for being “the best all-around players from their respective schools.”

“There’s not going to be a trophy or championship game or anything like that,” Hawks coach Julian Robles said. “It’s just to get some games in and play some of the Valley talent that we have here in preparation for district. We’re hoping to have (our showcase) grow and hopefully we can have a championship game next year, when we can have more teams.”