EC Buccaneers Boys Soccer End Their Season at Area

By Coach Jackie Brown

The Bucs traveled to Houston, March 25th to take on the Royal Falcons in the Area round of the 2025 UIL Soccer playoffs The playoff game was held at Barnett Stadium. Fifteen minutes into the game, Royal was called for a handball giving the Bucs a free kick. Francisco Granados would take the free kick from 30 yards out. The ball would hit the underside of the crossbar and deflect into the back of the net to put the Bucs up 1-0. The Bucs would go up 2-0 when Cristobal Cerritos played a ball over the top to Max Vargas. Vargas would gain control of the ball and move to his left taking the shot from the top of the 18 yard box. The ball would get past the goalkeeper just inside the left post for the goal. Royal would battle back in the second half and tie the game 2-2 sending the game into overtime. The game remained tied after overtime leaving the game to be decided on penalty kicks. The Bucs would come up short losing 5-4 on penalty kicks.

Stats against Royal:

Scoring for the Bucs: Francisco Granados and Max Vargas

Assists: Cristobal Cerritos

Defensively the Bucs were led by Felipe Serbino (15 steals), Cristian Moreno (12 steals),  Ricardo Lopez (7 steals), Jose Rufino, Francisco Granados, Mario Herrera and David Lopez with 5 steals each.

Goalkeeper Alejandro Roca had 13 saves and 3 blocks.

Overall Record: 15-3-3