October 11, 2012
San Antonio – Just as an impending storm seemed to approach Northside ISD Soccer Field Thursday, the Rattlers were on the cusp of a victory.
After beating them for their first victory in a shutout in late September, the Rattlers (2-7-1, 1-4-1 in conference) hoped for a similar scenario against McMurry University (4-8-0) Thursday. Instead, they were faced with a battle-driven team who shelled out a 2-1 victory over the Rattlers, as well as five yellow cards.
All the goals came in the first half, with the War Hawks finding help from deflections. McMurry first connected in the 13th minute when a free kick ricocheted off a St. Mary’s player, enabling War Hawk James Ness a clear shot at the net. Their second goal came five minutes later in quick glance as a ball bounced from keeper Patrick Kasperitis’ (Jr., Corpus Christi, Texas) hands right into War Hawk Juan Isacura’s lane for an unprotected, close shot at the net to make it 2-0.
With the half nearing an end, the Rattlers found their goal through freshman Armando Macias (San Antonio).
“I’ve improved in my movement off the ball,” says Macias, who now leads the Rattlers in scoring, “and make the right runs.”
Macias led the day with seven shots and two shots on goal. The 36th minute marked Macias’ second career goal after his quick reaction off his shot was blocked. The freshman then headed in the rebound to keep the Rattlers in it, down just 2-1.
But as the winds picked up in the second half, the goals stopped, keeping it a deadlocked 2-1 ballgame. McMurry had three of their five yellow cards for the day issued in the second half and several officiated clock stoppages and errant pushes and shoves represented a tight game between two teams who both wanted the ‘W’.
McMurry ultimately won the battle but the Rattlers won on looks, outshooting the War Hawks 20-4, including Macias’ team-high seven shots. Omar Sanchez (So., San Antonio) equaled Macias’ shots on goal with two, followed by Josh Stevens (Jr., San Antonio), Andrew Carrasco (Sr., Corpus Christi, Texas) and Zach Strater (So., Carrollton, Texas) all recording one on the day.
The loss to McMurry marked the second-to-last home game for the Rattlers, who according to Macias, still have some unfinished business.
“We have to win at home,” says Macias, “it’s our home, we have to protect it. [Saturday’s] our last one here and we gotta get at least one.”
The Rattlers will bid their last chance for a home victory Saturday against the University of Texas-Permian Basin at Northside ISD Soccer Field at 2:30 p.m.