Texas High School Soccer: Teams to Watch – 6A Region 2
UIL 6A Region 2 is fantastic region to look into if you’re someone wanting to observe quality soccer play in Texas. The athletes that come from this region are highly competitive, extremely motivated and ready to compete at any level…
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Continue ReadingUIL 6A Region 2 is fantastic region to look into if you’re someone wanting to observe quality soccer play in Texas. The athletes that come from this region are highly competitive, extremely motivated and ready to compete at any level in the Texas high school soccer bracket. Coming into the 2023-24 season, expect to see a lot of goals from players trying to produce breakout years and amazing moments from those that have already declared themselves as the leaders of their teams. This region is going to be very close but that does nothing but increase the level of excitement coming from each match.
Wylie High School
District Ranking: 5th
State Ranking: 211th
National Ranking: 848th
22/23 Record: 12-11-2 (0.52 Win %)
Predicted 23/24 Record: 15-5-5
I really enjoy what is being built in Wylie. I believe that they have a good soccer culture and the talent needed to build something special. My only concern so far is the amount of goals allowed against and the lack of goals for. Last season, Wylie allowed 34 goals against them and was only able to produce 41 for themselves. No matter how much talent a squad has, they aren’t going to be able to produce much with that goal ratio.
Wylie should have more success this coming season in the goal scoring department due to forward, Jacob Booty, returning to the squad. Booty had a really good season last year in a role that helped maintain a presence in front of net. I’d be curious to see how many goals Wylie could produce this season if they continue to feed their young forward.
Player to Watch: Jacob Booty
Jacob Booty
Jacob Booty
Initial Thoughts:rnOn paper and from film, Jacob Booty looks like everything a scout or coach could want in a player. He’s tall, strong, fast and persistent in his attack. He seems to be the most dynamic and dangerous forward on the Wylie team, and hopefully he can improve his game even more coming into this new campaign.
Size Profile:rnBooty is tall, strong and aggressive in his play. When he attacks the ball or the opposition he doesn’t quit until the whistle is blown. I love the way he uses his body in the box and screens off the play to receive the ball and fire it at goal.
Skill Set:rnBooty has a very good shot and his ability to put his back to goal and then move into position to shoot is beyond his years. I love seeing him move into the attack and have the intelligence to know that straight forward isn’t always the best path. He has the technique to pull the ball back and maneuver into position to score.
Achievements:rnDuring last seasons campaign, Booty was able to net a terrific 13 goals for Wylie. He looked deadly in front of goal and maintained his composure throughout the season. I’m looking forward to seeing what he’s able to do going forward.
Final Thoughts:rnI believe that Booty has to be a focal point in the Wylie attack in order for them to find success this season. His goal scoring ability, combined with the talent in the Wylie squad is going to play a major role in their chances at improving their record and finding success.
Rockwall High School
District Ranking: 2nd
State Ranking: 78th
National Ranking: 322nd
22/23 Record: 16-3-3 (0.80 Win %)
Predicted 23/24 Record: 17-2-4
Rockwall High School is one of the leaders in their district and even more so in the entire region. Last season they finished 2nd in their district while at the same time putting up 74 goals against their opponents. They looked very impressive already but the sky is the limit for the players within this program.
With a plethora of young talent and solid feeder patterns, Rockwall should be even better coming into the 2023-24 campaign. I’m excited to see what returning players like Triston Gooch and Brady Valladarez Brady Valladarez F Rockwall Highschool | 2025 TX are capable of producing after an offseason and preseason of improvement.
Player to Watch: Triston Gooch
Triston Gooch
Triston Gooch
Initial Thoughts:rnAs a sophomore, Triston Gooch was a great asset to the Yellowjackets varsity program. He was a dynamic player that put himself into position to succeed and by all means did so. I really like the build of him, he reminds me of that classic, tough soccer player that has the physicality to succeed at the next level.
Size Profile:rnGooch is broad, he has strong legs and the ability to hold the opposition off the ball. He has the speed to get down the touchline and the agility to cut into the byline. I really enjoy his over athleticism and the ability he has to use his force in a constructive way instead of playing out of control.
Skill Set:rnGooch has good use of both of his feet. He has the ability to cut into the box and place the ball wherever he wants to. Another great piece of Gooch’s skill set is his aerial ability, he seems find himself in the position to constantly win the ball either with his head or his legs and then move it into a dangerous position.
Achievements:rnLast season, Gooch was able to net 17 goals for the Yellowjackets and then add on another 9 assist to help his team find positive attacking play. What is even more outstanding is that Gooch was able to play a major role in the scoring of 26 goals while only playing 20 games. That goal to game ratio sets him apart and proves his importance for the teams success.
Final Thoughts:rnIf Gooch can have half the success he had last season, then he’s already doing more than most in his shoes. However, I think that he can do even more than he did last season and contribute in a truly remarkable way. Triston Gooch has every opportunity to have a record breaking season for the Yellowjackets and lead them to a district championship. Scouts, coaches and fans be warned now- this kid has the talent to make things happen.
Brady Valladarez Brady Valladarez F Rockwall Highschool | 2025 TX
Brady Valladarez Brady Valladarez F Rockwall Highschool | 2025 TX
Initial Thoughts:rn Brady Valladarez Brady Valladarez F Rockwall Highschool | 2025 TX is no second fiddle to anyone on the Rockwall roster. He has the talent, intelligence and ability to perform at the highest level but it’s his determination that will decide how effective he will be during his junior year. I think his size and on ball ability should take him far.
Size Profile:rnValladarez is tall and surprising agile for someone with legs as long as his. I was a little anxious about his physicality but after seeing the film and going through it all, I see a player that uses good pace and strength for someone their age. He’s only a junior but you can already see the changes happening and his athleticism beginning to develop. If he can fill out his frame a little more over the next two seasons then he’ll have every opportunity to make an impact at the next level.
Skill Set:rnValladarez is extremely talented on the ball. He has the intelligence to see the patterns on the field and move in between the opposing lines in order to find chances. He opens up play and allows himself to drift outwards to create space for his teammates. He is also very good with both feet and only continuing to improve as time goes on.
Achievements:rnValladarez ended the 2022-23 campaign with 13 goals and 5 assist in 20 matches. As a first year varsity player, he thoroughly impressed me with his contribution and with the right work ethic will surely put up similar numbers again this year.
Final Thoughts:rnValladarez, like Gooch, is a very talented player for a great Rockwall side. These players are showing grit, determination and passion with their play. What’s so exciting is that Valladarez is only going to improve over the next two seasons, meaning he’ll be more than ready to help a collegiate program looking for a quality role-player. I’ll definitely be keeping my eyes on Valladarez over the next two years and I’m curious to see how he can build on from last years success.