Texas High School Boys Team Spotlight – Cypress Springs Panthers
The high school soccer season is underway in the state of Texas and until mid-April, then the State Tournament will be held, thousands of teams will be in action all across the Lone Star State competing for a spot in…
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Continue ReadingThe high school soccer season is underway in the state of Texas and until mid-April, then the State Tournament will be held, thousands of teams will be in action all across the Lone Star State competing for a spot in the playoffs.
Prep Soccer will be following the action and constantly providing match reports on some of the most exciting duels and highlighting the players that are standing out for their teams. We’ll also be presenting some of the most promising teams that we get to watch live so you know them a little bit better.
Cypress Springs Panthers
The Cypress Springs Panthers from Cypress are one of the teams in the UIL Division 6A – Region 2, District 16. Established in 1997, the program has been on and off in the playoffs, advancing to the postseason on eight occasions since then. Their best campaign was in 2013-2014, when, after returning to the playoffs for the first time in 12 years, the Panthers advanced all the way to the Regional Semifinals.
Players to Watch
Leonardo Marquez
Leonardo Marquez
The team captain, Marquez leads the Panthers from the backline. He’s the backbone of the team’s defensive system and helps command and organize his teammates from his central position. Marquez is strong in the air and very good at keeping the ball away from the penalty box, but he’s also very solid when he has to chase attackers in deeper positions or cover his teammates on either flank. Cypress Springs’ defender is also very clean in possession and can play a little more advanced on midfield too, from where his passing can have more of an impact on the game.
Alejandro Cadena
Alejandro Cadena
Cadena plays in front of Cypress Springs’ backline and offers it some good protection with his strong physical tools and solid game. He uses his size well to intercept long passes and is also very active in patrolling the center of the field. Cadena is very good in possession too, and plays an interesting tactical role, dropping between the center backs to initiate plays but then stepping forward and taking part in the team’s buildup in a more advanced role. He is a good passer, operates well under pressure and in tight spaces, and also has good offensive presence to finish.
Kei Matsuyama
Kei Matsuyama
Matsuyama is often Cypress Spring’s most creative player and plays an important role in the team’s offense. Very technical and intelligent, he connects the team with his great passing and excellent vision. He’s a player that wants to be on the ball a lot and often drops deep to control the game and find his teammates with good passes. Matsuyama also works hard on defense, helping the Panthers crowd the central area of the field, and is very strong at set pieces.
Keven Guerra
Keven Guerra
Guerra’s versatility and hard-working mentality and a big part of Cypress Springs’ game. He can play on either side or in a more central role and, in any of these positions, will bring a lot of intensity to the game. Guerra is extremely mobile, had good pace and does a great job of dribbling the fall forward. He also reads the game very well and is very committed to his duties, always occupying the right spots and tracking back on defense.
Juan Reyes
Juan Reyes
The Panthers’ leading striker, Reyes is the team’s most advanced player and the focal point of their offense. A lefty, he has good quality on the ball and doesn’t limit his game to waiting service around the penalty box. Reyes often drops deeper to be part of the buildup and typically does a good job of opening up the game and finding wider players in good spots. He has good presence in the penalty box, is strong in the air and finishes well with either feet.