(Brownsville, Texas)-The 32-6A Champions, Brownsville Rivera Raiders (24-4-3) are headed back to the Class 6A Region IV Area Championships after eliminating 31-6A Edinburg 3-1 on Friday night in the first round the University Interscholastic League State Soccer playoffs. With the win, the Raiders will meet 29-6A runner-up San Antonio O’Connor (6-5-1), a 5-1 winner over Laredo United. It was a tough game. “We were not expecting this tough game tonight. We are taking one step at a time. Tonight’s game was an eye-opener. The Bobcats are a good team,” said Rivera head coach, Sal Garcia. “The idea of winning another state title is always there, but we have to play one game at a time.” The Raiders last won the UIL State 6A title in 2016.
In more games, the 32-6A Harlingen Cardinals (12-11-5) swept past 31-5A Edinburg Economedes 5-1 and will play 30-6A Del Rio (11-3-2) in the in area championships next week. The Rams defeated SA Brennan in a shutout 4-0. The winners Rivera/O’Connor or Del Rio/Harlingen from this upper bracket will meet in the 6A Region IV Quarterfinals. In the lower brackets, Edinburg North will play Laredo Alexander in the area playoffs after sweeping past Brownsville Hanna 4-2 and SA Harlan will play Los Fresnos in round two of the state playoffs. The Falcons knocked off La Joya in 1-0 win.
