Texas HS Boys: Tompkins vs. Paetow
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District play came to an end in the University Interscholastic League (UIL) high school soccer season as the last spots in the playoffs are now filled and the matchups of the bi-district round have been determined. Prep Soccer has been…
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Continue ReadingDistrict play came to an end in the University Interscholastic League (UIL) high school soccer season as the last spots in the playoffs are now filled and the matchups of the bi-district round have been determined.
Prep Soccer has been following several of the matches taking place in the Houston area and reporting on them, highlighting the Top Performers and sharing photos of the encounters. On Friday, March 22, we were in Katy, following the key District 19 match between the Tompkins Falcons and the Paetow Panthers.
Both teams entered the field still in need of points to secure their spots in the postseason. Playing on the road, the Panthers started better and scored still in the first half, with a beautiful chip by junior midfielder Cesar Garcia. The Falcons increased their level in the second half and equalized with a perfect free kick by senior midfielder Rohan Anand Rohan Anand 5'8" | M Obra D Tompkins | 2024 TX . With a few seconds left on the clock, the hosts completed their comeback when junior midfielder Juan Contreras got on the end of a cross and scored the game-winning goal.
With the result, Tompkins (9-4-3) advanced to the playoffs as the third-best team in the district while Paetow (6-4-6) were sixth and won’t be in the postseason.
These players were the most productive on the field:
Andres Diaz
Andres Diaz
Originally an outside back, Diaz played multiple roles for Tompkins, appearing mostly in offensive spots on the left side of the team’s attack. The senior played with great energy, displaying good quality on the ball and a lot of intensity to put pressure on opponents and play defense. Diaz contributed with his efficiency and good decision-making when on the ball and played key roles in both goals scored by his side. He made the pass that generated the handball call that resulted in the Falcons’ first goal and assisted for the game-winner in a quick transition play.
Anand was very active in midfield for Tompkins and played a major role in the team’s comeback win. He covered a lot of ground defensively and his presence in front of the team’s backline gave the stability the Falcons needed to push forward after they conceded a goal early into the match. Besides making solid defensive plays, he was also very accurate and intelligent with his passing, even when under pressure. Anand also came big for Tompkins by initiating the team’s comeback with a beautiful goal scored in a free kick in which he was smart to hit the ball in the goalkeeper’s corner instead of trying to send it over the wall. In the final minutes, the midfielder was tasked with man-marking Paetow’s main player Cesar Garcia and did an excellent job of keeping him away from the penalty box.
Highlights
Eloy Ferrer
Eloy Ferrer
Tompkins’ No. 10 dictated the team’s tempo, distributing the ball well in midfield and connecting intelligent passes. The left-footed Ferrer looked to get on the ball during the entire match and made good plays throughout the 80 minutes, keeping a high level of play with impressive consistency. In the first half, when Tompkins couldn’t penetrate Paetow’s defense, he created some good opportunities in set pieces, sending dangerous crosses into the penalty box. Ferrer also covered a lot of ground in midfield and fired some nice shots from distance.
Lehner’s runs down the left flank were among Tompkins’ main offensive weapons in the first half. As the Falcons struggled to create chances with their passing and combination plays, the winger wasn’t afraid to try to beat Paetow’s defense in individual plays and had success in some of them. The sophomore played more of a tactical role in the second half, especially after his team leveled the score, and was again very important. He was tracking back all the way to the Falcons’ penalty box and played with great energy, making several defensive stops.
Roman Ryabchenko
Roman Ryabchenko
Tompkins’ most talented offensive player, Ryabchenko gave everything to help his team win the match. He played as a forward and an attacking midfielder and most of the team’s offensive actions went through him at some point. The senior used his physical tools to get on the ball in the final third and make plays and get dangerous finishes from outside the penalty box. Ryabchenko kept fighting until the end and his effort was rewarded in the game-winning goal as he chased a clearance with less than 20 seconds on the clock, won the ball back and initiated the play that ended with the ball into the back of the net.
Brady Wade
Brady Wade
Wade anchored a hard-working Paetow backline that kept Tompkins under control for most of the match. Playing as a left-sided center back, he was dominant, winning duels in the air and the ground and making several interceptions. The Panthers lost their other starting center back, Roberto Sepúlveda, due to injury, during the match, but Wade helped keep things tight for them. The senior was also very involved in the team’s buildup, getting on the ball a lot and connecting good passes out of the back. He was unfortunate in the play that led to Tompkins’ equalizer as the ball touched his hand as he attempted a sliding tackle and the Falcons scored from the set piece.
Azael Ochoa
Azael Ochoa
Ochoa’s central midfield duo with Luca Galicia was one of Paetow’s main strengths in the match as the two were very good with and without the ball. The sophomore made some good defensive stops, using his positioning to get to the ball and playing with good energy. He was also very calm in possession and always found solutions when he got on the ball. Ochoa also did a solid job with set pieces and almost scored an Olimpico.
Cesar Garcia
Cesar Garcia
Paetow’s No. 10 Garcia was probably the best player on the field for the majority of the match. His performance in the first half was excellent as besides scoring the team’s goal with an incredible chip from about 25 yards out, he also created several chances with his dribbling and his ability to send passes in behind the backline. Garcia fluctuated well in the final third, playing on the left and also centrally, and his teammates looked for him every time they got the ball. The junior also fired some dangerous shots from long distance and was very precise with his set pieces with his skilled left foot.