West Texas ends Bravos FC's first season

HIDALGO – Bravos FC had to watch West Texas United do what had planned on doing to after Sunday night’s game.

Instead of rejoicing after clinching a postseason berth in what was a must-win for both teams, RGV had to see the Sockers celebrate clinching the third and final Mid South Division playoff berth after winning 3-1. At the final whistle, West Texas players met in a circle and jumped up and down in excitement after continuing their season. During the first few seconds after the game’s end, some Bravos FC players watched the Sockers (8-5-3, 27 points) enjoy their accomplishment while others turned away or consoled a teammate.

“It didn’t feel very good,” Bravos FC defender and captain Reynol Fuentes said. “You’re expecting to see your teammates be the happy ones. But that’s soccer, so we wish them good luck."

Regardless of whether Bravos FC players chose to watch West Texas celebrate, the moment was a painful one. And after what happened in the 68th minute, it was all but inevitable that RGV’s first season was ending Sunday night.

Trailing 1-0 after a 22nd minute goal by West Texas’ Jose Munoz, Bravos FC (6-5-5, 23 points) tied the game in the 67th on Salvador Luna’s 15th score of the season. Luna beat West Texas goalie Leif Craddock to a long ball, had his first shot deflected but recovered the rebound and scored to tie the game and ignite the home crowd. Bravos FC coach Ismael Moreira Braga turned around to encourage the fans to cheer more and maybe inspire RGV to another goal that could have pushed Bravos FC into the postseason.

While this was happening, West Texas United re-started play and pushed down field. Seemingly just as abruptly as Bravos FC got even, West Texas midfielder Dominic Furness looped a 31-yard shot over the head of Bravos FC goalie Roman Cisneros and into the goal, restoring the Sockers’ one-goal lead, quieting the crowd and severely wounding RGV’s postseason hopes.

“That goal killed us. That killed us,” Moreira said. “That’s something you cannot expect. You are celebrating a goal and they go back down. But you cannot blame anybody. This is part of the game.”

After Munoz scored an insurance goal in the 76th minute and RGV midfielder Jorge Herrera skied a penalty kick over the crossbar in the 86th, Bravos FC was eliminated.

“This is a part of the game,” Moreira said. “The season was good. It’s bad when it ends like that but people have to pick up their heads and look to next season.”

CORNER KICKS: With their win, the Sockers advance to play El Paso on Friday night in the first round of the playoffs. The winner of that match plays at Mid South Division champion Laredo the next night.

Brian Sandalow covers Rio Grande Valley Bravos FC for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him at (956) 683-4436.