ECNL Boys Texas: Albion Hurricanes FC 07 vs. HTX 07

The club soccer season continues to progress at full pace and teams from around the country are competing in their respective leagues in the first of several months of traveling and playing.   We, at Prep Soccer Texas, will follow as many matches and players as possible, paying close attention to everything that happens in the MLS Next, ECNL National and Regional Leagues and Girls Academy League, as well as showcases and tournaments, giving the talented players from the Lone Star State the exposure they deserve.   On Sunday, October 27, we were in attendance for the Houston battle between the Albion Hurricanes FC 07 and HTX 07 in the ECNL Boys League.   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2024/10/ecnl-boys-texas-albion-hurricanes-fc-07-vs-htx-07-photos/">ECNL Boys Texas: Albion Hurricanes FC 07 vs. HTX 07 - Photos</a></li> </ul>   HTX got the lead late in the first half, with Patryk Jankowski setting up Joel Herrera with a nice pass behind Albion's backline. Early in the second half, the hosts benefited from an HTX turnover to level the score with [player_tooltip player_id='16518' first='Matthew' last='Rodriguez']. HTX kept pushing and got ahead another time with [player_tooltip player_id='15750' first='Aiden' last='Erol'], but a last-second goal by Jacob Ordonez sent the two teams back home with one point.   Albion currently rank seventh in the Texas Conference, with 13 points (three wins, one loss, four ties). HTX are three spots below in tenth place with the same 13 points (four wins, four losses, one tie).   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players of the Match</h2>    Playing as a defensive midfielder, Barroso was very active on both sides of the ball for Albion. He did a good job shielding the team's backline, playing with a lot of intensity and helping stop HTX's plays through the center of the field. Barroso was also very involved when in possession. The midfielder displayed great vision and precision to move the ball around and also did a good job when he tried to progress it with quick runs.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/IMG_1243.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-271047" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Albion Hurricanes FC B07 vs. HTX B07</figcaption></figure>    Albion's main playmaker, Baquero wasn't as present as usual at the start of the match, but that changed after HTX scored. The attacking midfielder started looking for the ball more often and moved extremely well on the field to give options to his teammates, at times getting the ball directly from the center backs and on other occasions operating between HTX's lines. His accurate passing and vision helped set up many offensive plays. Baquero was also dangerous with his set pieces and helped the hosts get the last-second equalizer off of a corner kick.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/IMG_1373.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-271072" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Albion Hurricanes FC B07 vs. HTX B07</figcaption></figure>    Playing on the right wing, Valcarcel had a solid game, being a constant threat to HTX's backline. In the first half, he had a great run out wide and missed the goal by just a few inches with his finish. The winger was very aggressive when he had possession, attempting to beat opposing defenders off the dribble and displaying a good repertoire to either take the ball to the end line or bring it inside. Valcarcel was of huge importance in Albion's last-second equalizer as he had the ball in his feet inside the penalty box and could have shot it, but was calm and smart enough to assist Ordonez, who was on a better spot.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/IMG_1388.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-271074" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Albion Hurricanes FC B07 vs. HTX B07</figcaption></figure>    Albion's striker didn't have much success in his attempts to beat HTX's backline in the first half, often finding himself battling multiple defenders in the center of the field. He did a better job of finding pockets of space to play in the second half and his improved mobility made him combine better with his teammates and get more involved. Rodriguez was very opportunistic to score Albion's first goal as he tracked a bad pass from one of their defenders and got on the ball with just their goalkeeper between him and the goal to score with a nice finish.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/IMG_1222.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-271041" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Albion Hurricanes FC B07 vs. HTX B07</figcaption></figure>    HTX's left-sided center back was rock-solid during the match, doing a very good job of protecting his zone. Coombs was very firm and timely in winning duels, using his size and physicality well, but also displayed good mobility and understanding of the game to step up and cover his teammates when needed. The defender was also very comfortable on the ball, playing an active role in the team's buildup and helping to take the ball forward with a nice run through the midle.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/IMG_1306.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-271055" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Albion Hurricanes FC B07 vs. HTX B07</figcaption></figure>    Mundodi was one of HTX's best players on the field, playing his role as the team's right back to perfection. For most of the match, he had to defend Albion's dangerous winger Andres Riera and did an excellent job of keeping him out of the penalty box and consistently winning duels. Mundodi also had a constant presence in the attacking half, staying wide and helping his team create space in the middle. He made great decisions when in possession and was very precise with his passes and crosses.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/IMG_1320.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-271061" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Albion Hurricanes FC B07 vs. HTX B07</figcaption></figure>    HTX's striker had a slow start to the match and didn't manage to create many chances when he was on the field in the first half. He was subbed off and then came back in during the second half, playing a much more active role in the team's offense. Erol used his quickness of thought to work with his back to the goal and facilitate plays for his teammates. He had two good chances to score inside the penalty box and converted one, hitting the upper corner with a powerful shot.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/IMG_1337.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-271065" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Albion Hurricanes FC B07 vs. HTX B07</figcaption></figure>    Jankowski combined very well with both Erol and Herrera up top, showing a great ability to adapt to his attacking partners. He was very good when asked to get on the end of long passes of throw-ins, using his body to shield the ball and playing several efficient one-touch passes. The forward also displayed great vision in the final third, assisting Herrera for HTX's first goal with an excellent pass. Jankowski also supported the team's defensive system, tracking back and helping in their efforts.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/10/IMG_1261.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-271048" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Albion Hurricanes FC B07 vs. HTX B07</figcaption></figure>

The club soccer season continues to progress at full pace and teams from around the country are competing in their respective leagues in the first of several months of traveling and playing.