Texas High School Soccer: Teams to Watch – 6A Region 4

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>UIL 6A Region 4 is one of my favorite regions in all of Texas high school soccer. The level of play is pure class across the board and the level of competition is consistent. Region 4 is full of soccer culture and passion, with the region being comprised of teams from Austin to Brownsville. Soccer is a huge part in many of these communities and is slowly becoming one of the highest participation high school sports in these districts. Many of these programs are amongst the highest ranked programs in both the state of Texas and the entire nation. UIL 6A Region 4 is overflowing with talent and is the perfect place to witness high level soccer play this coming high school soccer season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Austin Westlake High School</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>District Ranking: 5th</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>State Ranking: 144th</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>National Ranking: 543rd</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>22/23 Record:&nbsp;</strong></em><strong><em>11-9-2 (0.55 Win %)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Predicted 23/24 Record:</em></strong>&nbsp;<strong><em>13-4-6</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Austin Westlake Chaparrals were the victims of a tough schedule, poor goal differential and struggles up front. The Chaparrals finished 5th in their district after conceding 27 goals and only scoring 39 of their own. While these stats are not going to impress on their own, there's a lot of upside for the future of the Austin Westlake soccer program. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Austin Westlake is located in a city with a rapidly growing soccer culture. Since the creation of Major League Soccer club, Austin FC, Austin and it's surrounding communities have had a large increase in soccer participation. With Westlake's history of athletic success, it's only a matter of time before their program begins to thrive within Texas high school soccer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Player to Watch:</em></strong>&nbsp;Henry West</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":"Henry West","_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":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"102","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Austin Westlake High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"FC Westlake","_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/strongu003ernrnHenry West looks to be a bright spot for the developing Westlake program. The midfielder has confidence on the ball and the creativity to make things happen for his team. I think West is still a little rough around the edges but I believe he has the ability to make strides in his development over his next two seasons.rnrnu003cstrongu003eSize Profile:u003c/strongu003ernrnWest is of average height and build for his age. He has strong legs and looks like a traditional midfielder. I don't believe that West will ever turn into a physical specimen, but I do believe that he has the size and strength to succeed at every level going forward.rnrnu003cstrongu003eSkill Set:u003c/strongu003ernrnWest is still a little rough, however I enjoy the way he plays the game. He keeps the ball close during transition and opens up the field with his vision. West has a very good dominate foot and isn't afraid to have a go on goal; that being said, I believe he could improve his weak foot somewhat.rnrnu003cstrongu003eAchievements:u003c/strongu003ernrnHenry West hasn't achieved a whole lot in his young career but that is set to change over the next two seasons as Westlake looks to make a push in their district. West was one of the leaders in goals and assist during the 2022-23 campaign and will absolutely be looking to continue his form during this coming season.rnrnu003cstrongu003eFinal Thoughts:u003c/strongu003ernrnOverall, Henry West should still be considered a prospect. However, I have a feeling that he will develop into quite the player. He looks to have the drive, intangibles and desire to improve. His vision is class and his touch is above average, although working on the little things will definitely lead him to becoming one of the leaders of his district.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65321422dda08"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Austin Lake Travis High School</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>District Ranking: 2nd</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>State Ranking: 9th</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>National Ranking: 45th</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>22/23 Record:&nbsp;</strong></em><strong><em>20-2-2 (0.88 Win %)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Predicted 23/24 Record:</em></strong>&nbsp;<strong><em>21-1-2</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Austin Lake Travis is one of the best teams in the entire state of Texas, especially within Texas high school soccer. With the Cavaliers currently sitting at 9th in the state, they will be looking to challenge for the state championship in the coming season. The Cavaliers ended their last campaign with 66 goals for and only 16 goals against, and even began their season with 20 games undefeated. This brilliant journey unfortunately came to an end during the UIL 6A State Championship Playoffs against San Antonio Johnson.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although Lake Travis should be extremely proud of their efforts last season, the past is the past and they will absolutely be looking forward to competing this year. Luckily for Lake Travis, forward Skyler Wright will be returning for the Cavaliers. Wright was extremely exciting for Lake Travis last season and should be an integral piece of the Cavaliers playoff push. The sky is the limit for this program so expect competition for improvement each and every day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Player to Watch:</em></strong>&nbsp;Skyler Wright</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":"Skyler Wright","_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":"103","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Austin Lake Travis High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_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/strongu003ernrnWhen I first saw Skyler Wright I immediately thought of him as a super fun and dynamic forward. The more I watched, it became apparent that not only was Wright a great striker but he could also play in a false 9 or number 10 role. His u003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2KPmxtu0022u003egoal scoring ability and ability to lay the ball offu003c/au003e to his teammates is both beautiful and inspiration. I knew immediately that Wright was a special talent and could improve even more.rnrnu003cstrongu003eSize Profile:u003c/strongu003ernrnWright is tall, strong and quick on his feet. He cuts through defenses, uses his body to shield them off and the quickly transitions to a shot on net. I respect how he can make a 35-yard run at a full sprint and then immediately use his physicality to press the defense towards their own net. Most players are either fast or strong but Wright is absolutely an exception to that.rnrnu003cstrongu003eSkill Set:u003c/strongu003ernrnWright is one of the most dynamic players I have seen throughout my time writing over high school soccer. He has all the ability needed to put up a 20-30 goal season, yet he could just as easily put up 15 assist. He puts himself in position to do what is needed to help his team succeed. Whether this success comes from him putting the ball into the net or playing the ball off to his teammate, Wright is just excited to bring success to the program he plays for. His dynamic ability is further supported by his u003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2KN1c8u0022u003equick decisionu003c/au003e making and soccer IQ.rnrnu003cstrongu003eAchievements:u003c/strongu003ernrnAustin Lake Travis is one of the best programs in the state and is used to competing for trophies. Skyler Wright is a major piece of the success this team is trying to achieve. Although the Cavaliers missed out on winning district last season, they will absolutely be aiming to take the title back this coming season.rnrnu003cstrongu003eFinal Thoughts:u003c/strongu003ernrnI really enjoy the style of play of Skyler Wright and the ability that he possesses. He is a joy to watch and I cannot wait to see how far he takes this game. His shooting is clinical, his passing is intelligent and his drive to win is untouched. He can take the ball through an entire backline by himself, or simply u003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2KPmYwu0022u003eplace the ballu003c/au003e where it needs to go. I believe that Wright will be a true asset to any team lucky enough to have him.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65324f28a782c"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">San Antonio Lee 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: 7th</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>National Ranking: 40th</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>22/23 Record:&nbsp;</strong></em><strong><em>23-1-3 (0.91 Win %)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Predicted 23/24 Record:</em></strong>&nbsp;<strong><em>22-2-3</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>San Antonio Lee is another team that is considered to be one of the best programs in the entire country. Lee is a powerhouse of Texas high school soccer and regularly competes at the state level. In fact, Lee has won their district five times in the last six seasons and have gone undefeated in district during four of the last five years. They regularly score over 100 goals within their campaign and usually have a very solid defensive record as well. The Volunteers reached the pinnacle of Texas high school soccer when they won the 6A State Championship during their 2021 campaign. Lee has a great feeder system and is able to develop and train extremely talented players on a regular basis. In fact, Lee had an astonishing <strong>SIX</strong> 2023 28-6A All-District 1st Team players and even produced the All-District MVP in their senior captain, Tate Martinez.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Talent may be consistent in the players from Lee, but talent isn't relevant without the hard work and dedication to craft that is produced within this program. The success Lee has seen is sure to continue with All-District 1st teamers Luc Derrington, Martin Cruz and Angel Villasana returning. These players are the building blocks to the future success of this program and will surely be looking to return to the state tournament this coming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Player to Watch:</em></strong>&nbsp;Martin Cruz</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":"Martin Cruz","_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":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"102","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"San Antonio Lee High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"San Antonio City","_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/strongu003ernrnMartin Cruz is one of many talented players within the San Antonio Lee program. Naturally a defensive midfielder, he is also capable of playing up top and bringing the attack forward. He has a natural ability to play the ball into space, either past a defender or through them, before creating a chance on goal. Cruz has a very good shot and has no fear of making high-pressure tackles.rnrnu003cstrongu003eSize Profile:u003c/strongu003ernrnCruz is 5'10 and about 140-150lbs. His height benefits him greatly in the air and surprisingly, he carries himself firmly despite his lean size. He plays very powerful in the midfield and is not afraid of tackling a heavier opponent. As he ages and develops further he'll surely become even more of a powerhouse in the middle.rnrnu003cstrongu003eSkill Set:u003c/strongu003ernrnCruz is a very high IQ player, he uses this intelligence on the field to distribute the ball quickly before moving into space to receive it back from his teammate. This intelligence brings him a level above Texas high school soccer and places him amongst the NCAA or NAIA levels tactically. Cruz is consistently steps ahead of everyone on the pitch. When Cruz is on the pitch, expect to win.rnrnu003cstrongu003eAchievements:u003c/strongu003ernrnCruz has already won many awards and trophies within his young career. He is a three time district champion, a state champion and a multi-term All-District 1st teamer. I cannot comprehend Cruz ceasing to win awards and silverware, this kid is simply a winner.rnrnu003cstrongu003eFinal Thoughts:u003c/strongu003ernrnMartin Cruz is the real deal. He is surrounded by winners, within an environment that is shaped on champions, and still stands out. He has the build, talent and confidence to succeed at any level he desires to work towards. If you're a NCAA or NAIA coach, this is a kid you need to focus on. He will bring a level of play to your program that will fit the standard and will bring a winning mentality. As any player, he may need some time to adjust but once he does he'll be a consistent 1st team player.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65324f28a78f5"} /-->