SEGUIN – As the defending state champions, Boerne boys soccer coach Michael Strong knows that opposing teams get amped up to play his squad.
That was the case Friday when the Hounds took on Austin Eastside Early College, a team they knocked out last year.
Things turned physical and there were a few yellow cards issued in Friday’s third-round playoff match at Matadors Stadium in Seguin, but the Greyhounds persevered and won 4-0.
BHS advances to the Region IV-4A tournament in McAllen on Friday. The Hounds (23-2-1) play against Progresso at 4:30 p.m. Friday’s winner plays for the regional title on Saturday against the winner of Taylor – Hidalgo at 12 p.m.
In physical matches like last Friday, Strong said he tells the team to always take the high road.
“I knew they were going to come out with a vengeance to beat us, we’ve got the target on our backs, but the boys have been embracing it,” he said. “We’ve got everything to play for, we have to keep our cool. I tell them to move the ball as fast as you can so you don’t get late cleats.”
The Hounds were up 2-0 at halftime thanks to two Sam Theiss goals and tallied two second-half goals despite the rough stuff.
Boerne’s defense didn’t give Eastside Early College very many opportunities.
“We’re so good at intercepting balls, getting in passing lanes and denying entry passes,” Strong said. “We definitely frustrated them, but they’re a heck of a squad, they play physical and play with passion.
“Their coach has done a heck of a job, but to win
4-0 win against a squad like that, that’s a statement,” Strong continued.
Justin Moore had the team’s first goal of the second half and then Theiss had the team’s final goal on a direct kick to finish with 3 goals.
Bear Kelly, Landon Murphy and Jake Herman all tallied single assists.
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