Gonzales boys fall to Luling, look ahead to tough district stretch

Gonzales boys fall to Luling, look ahead to tough district stretch
 By Lorrell Wright

GONZALES — Despite controlling possession and outshooting their opponent, the Gonzales varsity boys soccer team dropped a 2–1 district decision to Luling on Tuesday night, marking the Apaches’ second straight district loss.

Gonzales dominated much of the match statistically, recording 24 shots and winning the possession battle, but struggled to finish in front of the net.

“We’ve won the stat battle in both games,” head coach Shea Seip said. “On paper, we’ve been the better team. We dominated possession and created chances, but we just couldn’t find the net.”

The loss followed a district defeat on Friday, extending Gonzales’ current skid despite what the coaching staff feels has been improved play.

Seip said finding the target has to improve, noting that the team is creating the chances it wants and now needs to focus on finishing together as a group.

Through two district games, the Apaches sit at 0–2 in District 4A Region IV District 27, currently seventh in the standings. They have scored two goals and allowed four in district play.

While the results have not reflected it, Seip said the group’s mentality and unity will be key moving forward.

“Mentally, I know who we are,” he said. “But we need to be a ‘we’ and not a ‘me.’ If we want to get out of this streak, we have to play the badge, not the number.”

La Vernia and Luling currently lead the district at 2–0, followed by Cole at 1–0 and John F. Kennedy at 1–1. San Antonio Memorial and Yoakum are both 0–1, Gonzales is 0–2, and Young Men’s Leadership Academy is 0–1.

Gonzales will face another tough district stretch with two more matches this week, beginning Friday at La Vernia at 7 p.m. La Vernia has not allowed a goal in district play this season. The Apaches will then return home Monday to host San Antonio Memorial at 7 p.m.

Despite the challenge ahead, Gonzales is focused on continuing to improve and turning possession into results.

“We know who we are,” Seip said. “Now we just have to show it.”