Another thrilling week of postseason soccer in the books, and only two Houston teams remain in the race for the UIL 5A Boys State Title.
Fulshear is coming off an nerve-wracking overtime win decided by PKs against a red-hot Goose Creek Memorial, whereas Houston Wisdom continues to build on their perfect season with a stifling defense to punch their ticket to Round No. 4.
Both H-Town reps have the potential to go the distance as the Regional Tournament begins this Friday.
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5A Boys Soccer
*Record Format: W-L-T (Tournament games not included)
*List is ordered alphabetically
Fulshear Chargers
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
Some of the stars of Fulshear Soccer
Fulshear Chargers
2022-23 Regular Season: 10-4-3/Finished 2nd in District 20-5A
Head Coach: Art Trevino
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: 3-1 Win v. Galena Park
- Area Round: 6-0 Win v. Baytown Lee
- Regional Quarterfinals: 1-1 (5-4 Penalty Shootout) Win v. Goose Creek Memorial
Round 3 MVP: Senior CB Santiago Motolongo-- "He played one of the best games as a defender I’ve seen in the past few years," Trevino said. "He made timely tackles and didn’t allow the Goose Creek Memorial forwards to turn and have chances on goal. He was dominant in the air as well."
Regional Semifinals Matchup: v. College Station
Keys to the Game: "We [Fulshear and College Station] have scrimmaged each other during the past two seasons, so there is a bit of familiarity," said Coach Trevino. "However, in the Regional Semis it’s a completely different circumstance and the stakes couldn’t be higher. They are very tactically and technically sound and we need to get them off their passing rhythm and minimize dangerous set pieces.".
Prospectus: Fulshear has defied expectations this postseason to be the final representative of Lamar CISD in the fourth round of the UIL playoffs. According to Head Coach Trevino, the Chargers' adaptability and mental toughness has been their greatest asset.
Said mental toughness was put on full display with their recent win against GCM which was capped off with a nail-biter of PK showdown. And how exactly have the Chargers continued to build on their momentum during the regular season?
"As a team we have understood that in the playoffs every team will provide a difficult challenge," said Trevino. "But we have to stick to the game plan and play with intense effort and focus all game long."
From their stalwart defense to their opportunistic attack, Fulshear is a force to be reckoned with on the pitch.
Wisdom Generals
Photo provided by HC Fidel Andrade
Wisdom Generals
2022-23 Regular Season: 18-0/District 19-5A Champions
Head Coach: Fidel Andrade
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: 3-1 Win v. Lamar Consolidated
- Area Round: 1-0 Win v. Baytown Sterling
- Regional Quarterfinals: 1-0 Win v. Santa Fe
Round 3 MVP: "I can really name about 8 guys for MVPs because our defense our midfielders have been amazing," said Coach Andrade. "But you cant win games if you don’t score goals so we will give it to our Senior Forward Luis Cacho who has scored the winning goal in the last two games."
Regional Semifinals Matchup: v. Pflugerville
Keys to the Game: "We have much respect for our opponents in every round and the keys to a good match is to be prepared psychologically," Coach Andrade said. "Other than that just be able to manage the game as it comes to us."
Prospectus: Wisdom has been a dynamic group throughout their Winter season. According to HC Andrade, the Generals have strength in numbers, but their experience and excellent fitness form is really what sets this team apart.
Although it wasn't their preseason goal, the Houston ISD club has maintained a perfect record all year, despite facing formidable competition. Their motto this season has been, “Commit to begging the journey and stay Consistent to get to the Finish line.”