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Whataburger Team of the Week: Alief Elsik Soccer on the verge of claiming another State Title
What a year it has been for the Elsik soccer program!
While the team’s talent was expected, the level of success they’ve achieved has been truly impressive.
Much of the Rams’ success can be attributed to the strong sense of unity instilled by head coach Vincenzo Cox.
That cohesiveness was on full display last Tuesday when Elsik shocked the reigning back-to-back State Champions, Seven Lakes, in the Region III-6A-D1 Final. The Rams not only defeated Seven Lakes but did so with an emphatic 5-1 victory in front of an energized home crowd.
“The word that I like to use for us is ‘unit,’” said Cox. “These guys have grown together and have been through some rough patches. They came back this year determined to push themselves to the max, and the results have spoken for themselves.”
With that win, Elsik secured its fourth-ever appearance in the State Final Four, a remarkable achievement for the program.
Following that dominant performance, the Rams continued their postseason success, earning a spot in the 6A-D1 title game after outlasting Vista Ridge 1-0 on Friday.
According to Cox, the team has leaned on the talents of Chris Guillen (Sr. D/MF), Jacob Ordonez (Sr. MF/D), Michael Ochoche-Ochoche (Sr. D), Asa Marsh (Sr. MF), and Jhon Marulanda-Morena (Sr. MF) to help propel the group to this point.
Now, with a 24-2 record, Elsik stands just one victory away from capturing its second state championship. The Rams previously won the title in 2018 with a 1-0 victory over San Antonio Reagan.
However, standing in their way is Klein Cain (23-2-3), a formidable opponent. Fans can expect a thrilling showdown when the two teams meet on Saturday in Georgetown at 6:30 PM.
VYPE Coaches Corner: Alief Elsik Soccer Coach Vincenzo Cox; State Semis Preview
The Alief Elsik Rams (23-2) have charged their way through the UIL Soccer postseason and now see themselves with the opportunity to make history once more, by potentially reaching the State Final for the first time since 2018 -- when they won it all.
VYPE caught up with Elsik Soccer Head Coach Vincenzo Cox in response to their historic run, and detailing the game-plan as they prepare to take on Vista Ridge in the 6A-D1 State Semifinals.
Check out the interview below!