The boys varsity soccer team hosted a tournament Jan. 12-14. They started off with a game against Schertz, a school just north of San Antonio, and lost 0-2. After the match, coach John Campbell addressed the result.

“It’s early in the season,” Campbell said. “That’s why we play these games, so we can get things figured out and fixed. It’s about progression. If we don’t progress every game, that’s going to be a disappointment.”

The game started off with a few missed chances for Schertz, but it wasn’t until the 26th minute when a Schertz substitute scored from a close-range finish. Then, just eight minutes later, the same player scored his second goal of the game.

“We need to work on communication and physicality mainly — that’s pretty much how we got scored on,” central midfielder senior Robert Vassilev said. “It was a tough game to lose. We were obviously frustrated and angry. We were a lot better in the second half, and we need to play more like that.”

Despite improved play in the second half, the Chaps still couldn’t seem to find the net, even from only a few yards out. Senior Mauro Montemayor hit the post on a good headed effort that could’ve brought the team back into the game. Eventually, however, time ran out and Westlake walked away with the loss. After losing to Galena Park the day after, Westlake rebounded with a win against Laredo.
The crowd at Ebbie Neptune, although small, was very engaged in the game, especially in the second half. It seemed as if the team was spurred on by the fans and fueled for the remainder of the match.

“It’s always great to have the crowd when we are slowing down,” goalkeeper senior Sam Laude said. “They allowed us to get back in the game and have a couple of good chances.”

Even after a tough loss, Campbell was optimistic about the future of the team.

“[The players] know they’re good enough to get back to the playoffs and make a deep run,” Campbell said. “I think this is a good year for us to win District.”