Texas HS Boys Match to Watch: Tompkins vs. Seven Lakes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The high school soccer season is now going at full pace in the state of Texas as district play is now underway across the Lone Star State and every match matters in terms of determining which teams will contend for a spot in the postseason and, from then, to make it to the State Tournament in April.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Soccer will be following the action closely, following multiple matches every week and reporting on the players having big roles with their teams and helping them succeed. As part of our coverage, we will also preview some matches we believe have the potential to be highly exciting and here is our pick for Wednesday, January 24:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tompkins vs. Seven Lakes - 7:30 PM @ Tompkins HS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tompkins</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tompkins Falcons from Katy are looking to return to the postseason after they missed the playoffs in their last campaign, ranking fifth in District 19 - they qualified in 2022, but fell in the bi-district round. The Falcons started district play with a 4-3 win over Katy and a 1-1 tie with Cinco Ranch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior Alonso Basterra has been starting between the posts for them and has been solid. Senior Jacob Robisch is the key piece in the team's backline and forms a strong center back duo with junior Tola Fasade. Sophomores Eloy Ferrer, in a more central role, and Braden Lehner, on the left side, work hard on both sides of the ball in midfield. Tompkins' main strength is probably its attack, which features the crafty Roman Ryabchenko, who circulates everywhere on the final third, and fellow senior Ryan Sharma, who has good pace and presence inside the penalty box.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":159810,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/01/IMG_9164.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-159810" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cinco Ranch vs. Tompkins</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Seven Lakes</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Seven Lakes Spartans from Katy are the reigning Division 6A state champions, having won the title less than a year ago. They are still undefeated in the current season with six victories and triumphed in the only District 19 match they played so far, topping Taylor 5-2.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior goalkeeper Ben Aviles Vera is one of the best in the state and has conceded only four goals in six matches, getting three clean sheets. Junior center back [player_tooltip player_id='16578' first='Noah' last='Peterson'] is the anchor of their backline, which also counts on talented senior left back Fernando Lazo. In midfield, senior Aidan Morrison is the maestro, dictating the team's rhythm, while fellow senior Noah Bosso does the dirty job behind him at defensive midfielder. Up top, senior [player_tooltip player_id='16008' first='Daniel' last='Ejerenwa'] is a threat with his pace and physicality on the wings while star junior [player_tooltip player_id='56106' first='Kortay' last='Koc'], the program's all-time leading scorer, is a special offensive talent, who can play anywhere and score goals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":158697,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/01/IMG_7540.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-158697" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Seven Lakes vs. Nimitz</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->