Bloodhounds tune up for TAPPS playoffs with road win
LA FERIA - A 1-0 victory over the La Feria Lions on Tuesday served as a playoff tuneup for the St. Joseph Academy Bloodhounds.
The 9-2-3 Bloodhounds, district champions with a 5-0-1 record, play host to Austin St. Michael's at 2 p.m. Saturday at Canales Field in the area round of the TAPPS Division I playoffs.
"I tried to give some minutes tonight to those players who haven't gotten to play too much this season," SJA coach Mario Zamora said. "I think we're ready for the playoffs."
The Bloodhounds had far more chances than the Lions, but just couldn't capitalize on them, mainly due to the standout play of the Lions' sweeper and goalkeeper. But with just under 4 minutes left, the Bloodhounds broke the scoreless deadlock when Adrian Gutierrez squeezed a shot between the goalkeeper and the right post from about 20 yards. It sends the Bloodhounds into their playoff match at home Saturday on a winning note.
"I think we can do well in the playoffs," said Alberto Villarreal, SJA's defensive midfielder. "The thing I like about our team is we're a brotherhood, and I think we're ready, especially since we've made it twice (to the playoffs) already during my time on the team. I feel we deserve to be there, and hopefully we can take it all the way."
Roy Hess writes for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him via e-mail at rhess@brownsvilleherald.com
