Texas High School Soccer: Teams to Watch – 6A Region 3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When it comes to Texas high school soccer, UIL 6A Region 3 is one of the less appreciated collections of teams. In a region that has a lot of great American football and baseball programs, soccer is often times left in the rearview mirror. Unfortunately, this situation leads to less opportunity for these Texas high school soccer programs to grow compared to more soccer specific areas in the state. However, with an increase of involvement within the game at a national level, we've seen these traditionally American football communities begin to lean more towards soccer. This change in participation is leading to an influx of good players and the development of great programs where one may not have previously been. The following teams are benefitting from this influx of talent and activity within Texas high school soccer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cinco Ranch High School</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>District Ranking: 3rd</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>State Ranking: 46th</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>National Ranking: 199th</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>22/23 Record:&nbsp;</strong></em><strong><em>12-6-5 (0.63 Win %)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Predicted 23/24 Record:</em></strong>&nbsp;<strong><em>14-3-6</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Katy Cinco Ranch is one of the many up and coming programs in the greater Houston area. As club soccer and MLS Next programs have been developing at an increased rate, the Katy community has become one full of soccer participation and youth players. With this large jump in youth soccer, Katy has began to develop some very solid programs at the high school level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cinco Ranch is one of the better programs to come out of Katy and is lucky enough to have a very good young squad to carry them forward. Last year, Cinco Ranch was very good in front of net tallying 57 goals over the course of the season. Many of these goals came from the graduating senior, Daniel Vargas, who netted 15 goals in 22 games for the Cougars in a district leading effort. While the Cougars are going to absolutely miss their leader in front of net, they can rest easy knowing that incoming junior, Andres Riera, is returning to take the goal scoring helm. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Player to Watch:</em></strong>&nbsp;Andres Riera</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Andres Riera","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"103","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Katy Cinco Ranch High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Albion Hurricanes","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003eInitial Thoughts:u003c/strongu003ernrnAndres Riera is a multi-positional player that can both drift wide to attack and contain the middle of the pitch. He's very good at moving down the touchline, across the byline and then getting his opportunity in the final third. Personally, I feel like his main strength is with the ball at his feet and he could do a little more when off the ball.rnrnu003cstrongu003eSize Profile:u003c/strongu003ernrnRiera isn't a big player, at 5'8 and 140lbs he's about the size of your average soccer winger. The positive about that is when considering his age, he should definitely grow a little more and add a little muscle before moving to play at the collegiate level. I think he carries his current frame well and moves on and off the ball like someone comfortable in their body.rnrnu003cstrongu003eSkill Set:u003c/strongu003ernrnRiera has the skill and ability to succeed in a variety of positions, however I'd consider his strongest position to be forward. His midfield play is good and he definitely gets the job done in those roles, I just personally feel he contributes a lot more in a direct attacking role. Riera has very good right foot and has the ability to challenge defenders when he presses them. His weaker foot is above average and I would have no worries with him taking shots or making long passes with it during critical moments of the game. Overall, he's a very talented attacker and a very good player.rnrnu003cstrongu003eAchievements:u003c/strongu003ernrnWhile Riera only received a single game on varsity as a freshman, his sophomore campaign was nothing but class. He contributed 10 goals and added another 6 assist during his 20 games, solidifying himself as the 2nd best goal scorer on the squad. With seniors graduating, Riera is coming into the 2023-24 season with every opportunity to take the reigns and lead his team from the front.rnrnu003cstrongu003eFinal Thoughts:u003c/strongu003ernrnAndres Riera is very good. I like him on the wing, I like him as a central forward and I like him in the midfield. I think he possess the ability to change the game by himself and if given the proper training could very easily lead his district in goals this coming year. He's one of the players that I'll definitely continue to keep my eyes on. I'd like to see him in a variety of positions to understand where he could best help a collegiate program, but overall, I think he'd adapt just fine in any situation.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-652e8e42a0211"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bellaire High School</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>District Ranking: 3rd</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>State Ranking: 221st</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>National Ranking: 897th</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>22/23 Record:&nbsp;</strong></em><strong><em>14-7-3 (0.65 Win %)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Predicted 23/24 Record:</em></strong>&nbsp;<strong><em>15-5-5</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bellaire High School is quickly becoming one of the more interesting sides within Texas high school soccer. The Cardinals are coming into the season after losing some of their top goal scorers to graduation, and while they found success in the goal scoring department just didn't score enough to get them to that next level of success. Over the course of their last campaign, the Cardinals conceded 33 goals and netted 48 goals of their own. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Luckily for Bellaire, the Cardinals have some talented outside defenders in their ranks that understand how to put the ball into the net. Jackson Triche and Cole McLean look to impress this upcoming season after having very successful campaigns last year. Triche, who's listed as a fullback, was actually able to lead his squad in goals. McLean was able to do his role as well, adding 4 goals and 3 assist as a freshman. Ultimately, both Triche and McLean are looking to build from last years success in order to make their mark during the Texas high school soccer season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Player to Watch:</em></strong>&nbsp;Jackson Triche</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jackson Triche","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"101","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Bellaire High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Chelsea 05B","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003eInitial Thoughts:u003c/strongu003ernrnIt's rare to find a fullback in Texas high school soccer that is as talented as Triche. Doubling as an attacker, Triche's ability to score helps him stand out from the masses. With a natural eye for goal, Triche has the ability to become a true utility player for any NCAA or NAIA program looking to boost their ranks.rnrnu003cstrongu003eSize Profile:u003c/strongu003ernrnJackson Triche is an average sized outside player. Coming in at 5'9 and 135-140lbs, he isn't going to transition to a central defender anytime soon but is going to have the legs and engine to play nearly anywhere else on the field. He has very good pace and natural ability off the ball.rnrnu003cstrongu003eSkill Set:u003c/strongu003ernrnTriche has good use of both his feet. He'll give a team the necessary resource to spread the field both deep and long. I really enjoy his shot and his overall ability to get the ball placed onto goal.rnrnu003cstrongu003eAchievements:u003c/strongu003ernrnJackson Triche lead his team in scoring during the 2022-23 campaign and was listed as an honorable mention on the all-district team. He was also named man of the match at least once during the season. Overall, if he can improve just a small margin he should be able to solidify his spot on the all-district team and give his team the boost they need to find success.rnrnu003cstrongu003eFinal Thoughts:u003c/strongu003ernrnJackson Triche is as solid of a player as it gets. Triche is versatile, dynamic and gives his team the edge when he's on the pitch. He's proven himself as a quality Texas high school soccer player and I fully believe that given the opportunity he'd succeed at the next level. His ability to play various roles on the pitch gives any coach the depth they need to improve their squad.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-652f3d39f3af5"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Woodlands High School</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>District Ranking: 1st</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>State Ranking: 10th</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>National Ranking: 52nd</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>22/23 Record:&nbsp;</strong></em><strong><em>23-3-2 (0.86 Win %)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Predicted 23/24 Record:</em></strong>&nbsp;<strong><em>25-2-1</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Woodlands are slowly finding themselves turning into royalty amongst the teams in Texas high school soccer. After winning district last year and finishing the season with an outstanding 91 goals for, the Highlanders sadly came short of their ultimate goal through a loss to Sachse. Fortunately for The Woodlands, they have all the pieces necessary to go a step further and challenge for the UIL 6A State Championship during the upcoming 2023-24 season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The excitement surrounding The Woodlands is well deserved considering the amount of talent and potential that the Highlanders have in their ranks. With soccer growing at an astonishing rate in the greater Houston area, there is sure to be a consistent influx of talent coming into the Highlander program. One such player to keep an eye on during the coming campaign is young forward, Patryk Jankowski. Jankowski is making waves for both the Highlanders and his club team - HTX U17.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Player to Watch:</em></strong>&nbsp;Patryk Jankowski</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":151294,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Patryk Jankowski","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"103","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"The Woodlands High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Houston HTX","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003eInitial Thoughts:u003c/strongu003ernrnPatryk Jankowski may only be coming into his junior year but he is already making waves as a player with the potential to lead the Highlanders entire program. Texas high school soccer is lucky to have a player as naturally gifted as Jankowski playing within its ranks. He has the look, skill and potential to transform into a truly special player moving into his collegiate years. Jankowski should be on the radar of every NCAA and NAIA program looking to compete for championships.rnrnu003cstrongu003eSize Profile:u003c/strongu003ernrnJankowski comes in at 5'11 and 175lbs as a junior which already makes him one of the more physically gifted players in 6A Region 3. He has the speed, power and intelligence to play at the collegiate level already but obviously could do with a little more experience before making that jump. Luckily for Jankowski, he'll have two more high school and club seasons to develop even further.rnrnu003cstrongu003eSkill Set:u003c/strongu003ernrnJankowski is technically gifted and plays at a level above his age. He'll come into his junior year as one of Texas high school soccer's best players, and in all likeliness will be a game changer for the Highlanders. He is very strong in the air, and uses his body well on the ground. One thing that I truly admire about Jankowski is that he can perform anywhere along the front line and has no fear of having the ball at his feet.rnrnu003cstrongu003eAchievements:u003c/strongu003ernrnJankowski was given the honor of being named to the 1st All-District team as a sophomore. Due to his skill, commitment and drive he was even named as a team MVP during his freshman campaign. Jankowski was also elected to the Texas All-Conference ECNL team as well. With a trophy cabinet full of awards already, Jankowski will absolutely be driven to find some more silverware for The Woodlands.rnrnu003cstrongu003eFinal Thoughts:u003c/strongu003ernrnPatryk Jankowski is one for the future. He has every intangible necessary to become a truly remarkable player for any NCAA or NAIA team. I cannot wait to see what he does during his junior and senior year campaigns, and fully expect him to act as a game changer for his squad. I think the skill he possess and the drive he has will give the opportunity to take this game as far as he desires to go. If you're a coach or scout looking to boost your ranks, this kid absolutely someone you need to keep an eye on.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-652f3d39f3c26"} /-->