Mansfield Legacy boys headed to state
Published 4/4/2009 7:04:02 PM by staff from dallas
The Mansfield Legacy boys advanced to the UIL Class 4A state soccer tournament with a 1-0 victory against El Paso Austin Saturday at in Wichita Falls. Legacy played an emotionally draining regional semifinal on Friday against district rival Midlothian, and coach Aaron Cottrell was pleased the team could still perform on Saturday.
"El Paso was very difficult but we didn’t give up," he said. "We had such an emotional game in our last one that we needed to make sure we kept our composure in the game and continued to fight."
Legacy dictated play throughout the match and earned the game-winner late in the first half. The Broncos took the lead with 9:37 remaining in the half off a solid combination between Johannes Gloeckler and Nathan Nwaeze. Gloeckler pushed along the left flank then beat two defenders on the dribble. He slotted a lateral pass along the ground to Nwaeze who slipped past one defender then placed a low accurate shot across goal for the 1-0 lead.
Legacy outplayed Austin throughout the contest by outworking the Panthers to loose balls and playing a better possession match. Gloeckler provided subtle but vital play for the Broncos as the target forward. His ability to play with his back to goal, and hold possession despite being covered heavily by two and three defenders, allowed Legacy breathing room throughout the field.
The Broncos defense and midfield did a solid job of limiting Austin’s opportunities. In fact, the Panthers had only one dangerous opportunity late in the game. However, goalkeeper Blake Brown parried a dead ball direct kick that was headed for goal otherwise.
Mansfield Legacy (21-8-2) will play Thursday in Georgetown in the state soccer semifinals at 4 or 6 pm, with the championship slated for 1 pm Saturday. Mesquite Poteet, Hidalgo and Brenham have also qualified. Pairings will be announced on Sunday.
Label: Mansfield Legacy 1 El Paso Austin 0, Nathan Nwaeze
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