2009 All-Valley Soccer: Morales, Mireles reap state championship benefits

Playing their best soccer at just the right time, coach Esequiel Morales and the Hidalgo Pirates, led by junior forward Jesus Mireles, brought the Rio Grande Valley its third UIL state championship in six seasons.

The District 61-4A third-place Pirates (18-6-2) captured the Class 4A state title with a 2-0 victory over Mesquite Poteet on April 11 in Georgetown, following Brownsville schools Lopez and Porter, who won it all in 2004 and 2006, respectively.

Hidalgo's accomplishment has earned 2009 All-Valley boys coach of the year honors for Morales and All-Valley boys offensive MVP recognition for Mireles.

"This feels really good to me," said Mireles, a 5-foot-6, 152-pound player who scored nine goals as the Pirates won seven playoff games to capture state. "I think I've been working pretty hard. For me, it was the whole team that helped me become one of the best players, because without them I wouldn't have done anything.

"I'd just like to thank everyone at school and our whole community for the support we received," he added.

After winning the 4A title, Mireles signed to play with Rio Grande Valley Bravos FC, and he said receiving an MVP award gives him added confidence as he attempts to take his game to new level.

"It makes me feel more comfortable that I know I can do this," he said. "I think I have what it takes, I just have to work hard and put in the extra hours. I think I'll be OK."

Morales said he understands his star player's decision to go pro, and he's urging Mireles not to forget about his education just because he's playing for the Bravos.

"Ever since he was a freshman, Jesus has been a part of our success," said the Hidalgo coach, who has guided his team to state in two out of his three years directing the Pirates. "He's stayed with that hunger, and he's always given it his best. He's the type of player who can change a game at any moment. And that's what happened. When the playoffs came around, he really turned it up a couple of notches. He can do things that you can't coach.

"Again, I'm very proud of him and happy for him," Morales added. "I think he's a great kid, and I think he's got a great future. We've talked to him, and we know he's got good things coming his way. Our goal is that he does something good with his life. We're definitely going to miss him. He's leaving big shoes to fill, but I'm very confident that somewhere there in Hidalgo we have someone who will step up and come in to take his place."

Regarding his All-Valley coach of the year award, Morales said, "It's a wonderful honor. I'm really enjoying this state championship. It's very nice and very satisfying.

"I think one of main ingredients that went into our team this year was the players really believed in each other and they really believed in our philosophy and our style of soccer," he added. "They understood what the coaches wanted on and off the field, they trusted in each other and they just executed everything. They understood that if we wanted to make it to state, they had to be one unit. I think we were mentally very strong and well-prepared, too."

Roy Hess writes for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him via e-mail at rhess@brownsvilleherald.com.