MSOC: 'Riders nab another postseason bid
match. Center will open the Class 4A State playoffs later this month. (Photo
by John Krueger)
After claiming their first post-season berth in the history of the program last season, the Center Roughrider soccer team is headed for its second straight playoff appearance from District 35-4A when they clinched the berth with three games remaining in the regular season.
The 'Riders completed the 2011 regular season with a 10-0 setback to Nacogdoches (11-3-2, 8-0-2 district) Tuesday night to finish the regular season with a three-game losing skid and an overall mark of 5-10-1 and a final league mark of 3-6-1.
Despite the finish, the Roughriders will receive a first-round bye in the playoffs and open the postseason March 28 or 29 against an opponent yet to be determined.
The 'Riders have suffered through some injuries during league play, which has hampered their ability to score. Against Jacksonville on Feb. 15, the injury situation was such that CHS Head Coach Richard Ruiz had to adjust his lineup to play more defensive-style players. The 'Riders lost that game, 6-0.
"We've had quite a few injuries during district and at time had a lot of our starters out at the same time," Ruiz stated. "I also need our seniors to step up more when the team is in tough spots because we have a very tough district. And it's not going to get any easier.
"The last time we played Nacogdoches we were down 3-1 at the half, but we just couldn't put any kind of offensive push together."
Eduardo Chavez scored in the setback to the Dragons.
On Feb. 25 Center battled Hudson to a 3-3 tie. Chavez scored twice and Rene Solis found the goal one time.
Chavez and Alex Perez both scored in a 2-1 victory over Diboll on March 4. That clinched the postseason berth with three games remaining on the schedule.
"We've battled through a lot of adversity this season and it's great to see us being able to get back to the playoffs," Ruiz said. "Now anything can happen. Hopefully we can play some of our best soccer of the season ahead."
On March 8 Center fell to Jacksonville, 3-1, as Perez scored the lone goal for the 'Riders.
Center then lost to Palestine, 3-0, last Friday after being tied 0-0 with 10 minutes left in the contest.