Roberto Palomo was more than up to the task as a center defender for the Hanna Golden Eagles this soccer season.
It was a challenge considering Hanna typically played a three-man defensive alignment instead of using four. That alignment helped the Eagles have more of an attack on the offensive end. On the other end of the field, more than ever, the Hanna defenders knew their job was to constantly stay alert and protect the goal.
Palomo, a junior, was a prime example of a top defensive player for the Eagles this season. He became someone who helped Hanna return to the regional tournament for the first time since 2013, the year the Eagles made it to state.
For his strong play during the 2019 season, Palomo is The Brownsville Herald’s 2019 All-Metro Defensive Player of the Year for boys soccer.
“It was a great feeling getting back there (to the Region IV-6A Tournament) after so many years of not making it,” Palomo said. “I felt it was a great accomplishment, but I’m still not satisfied with how we finished and hopefully none of my teammates are either. We want to do it again and hopefully go even farther next year.
“I believe this season gives us confidence on the field, not cockiness, that we can reach what we want to reach by being humble,” Palomo added. “I felt we could have done more (defensively) this season, but everything happens for a reason. I’m glad we did what we did (but I’d like to see us still do more).”
Hanna (17-6-6) advanced four rounds in the Class 6A playoffs this season before being eliminated during the regional tournament semifinals against San Antonio Reagan 3-2 on April 12 at Brownsville Sports Park.
Eagles coach Reyes Prado said Palomo was an important part of his team’s 2019 playoff run.
“He was the backbone of our defense,” Prado said. “With his playing leadership, he kept us in all of the games.
“He was a guarantee for the team to attack more and trust that he was going to be solid in the back,” Prado added. “When Palomo is on the field, the team feels strong defensively.”
Palomo, a member of the varsity since he was a freshman and starter since he was a sophomore, was named a first-team defender on the All-District 32-6A team this season.
“I’m not a captain on the field but I tend to act like one, and even more when we’re only three back there on defense,” Palomo said. “Since I’m the last one (besides the goalkeeper in the defensive alignment), I know a lot of people depend on me so I have to go full force. We can’t make mistakes as often as other (defensive) players. One mistake can cost a goal, so we have to be very careful.”
Palomo said he is glad to win the awards he has received. He’s happiest for his parents, Roberto Sr. and Dahila Palomo.
“My parents see the practices and the work that I’ve put in,” he said. “After all the sacrifices they have made for me, it just makes them happy to see me get an award, and that makes me happy, too.
“Of course, I see it as a motivation for next year,” he added. “It’ll make me go harder to prove to other people and my parents as well that I deserve it.”
