Ben Everson and Mario Garcia scored for the Patriots and goalkeeper Sebastián Narvaéz earned his second clean sheet as El Paso won its first game of the season, downing Leones of Houston, 2-0, in front of 813 fans at Patriot Stadium. (See the archived video here!)
The Patriots win their first against a loss and two ties, sending to their second consecutive defeat and a 1-2-0 record.
Once again, El Paso controlled the pace of the match as the Patriots’ defense, anchored by team captain Hugo Sámano, closed down the vast majority of Houston forays into the home team’s defensive third.
Mário García and António Barrera chewed up space and possession in the midfield and delivered solid service to forwards Ben Everson and Trevor Eastman all night.
But the Patriots first goal was keyed by an excellent slide tackle from lanky Jeffrey Jennings. Houston had restarted with a goal kick from keeper Vladimir Jauregui. A low header that had gone just over the center stripe was intercepted by the well-placed toe of the Fort Lewis College midfielder and the ball deflected to the capable Everson.
Quickly becoming a fan favorite for his slashing runs and step-over dribble, Everson did not disappoint, carrying the ball straight at the Houston defense, then darting right and running parallel to the 18-yard box before launching a 20-yard rocket that completely froze Jauregui as it traveled to goal.
Everson’s quick feet also led to Garcia’s insurance goal in the 79th, as the limber Englishman wriggled through four Leones defenders before being dropped in the area by an exasperated Jauregui. Referee Christian Sanchez pointed at the spot and Garcia’s shot inside the left post was true.
The match was not without fireworks as Houston second-half substitute Victor Morales was first issued a caution for a hard foul in the 80th minute, then shown a straight red in the 90th by Sanchez after clipping El Paso midfielder Adam Hooi after he had already hit the deck trying to deflect a Leones pass.
That sets the stage for a contentious second match at 7:30 p.m. MDT Saturday night at Patriot Stadium. Fans will receive free tee shirts courtesy of International Soccer and there will be a free mini-camp for youngsters 12 and under. El Paso will open its gates for the mini-camp at 6 p.m.
Once again, fans can access the Patriots live video webcast during Friday’s and Saturday’s matches. Fans attending can also check the archived video after the games. Live or archived, click on the link provided at www.elpaso-patriots.com. KLAQ/KROD’s and MetroSports Southwest’s Duke Keith will call the action. Fans can check up-to-date scores, standings and stats at http://pdl.uslsoccer.com, as well as check up on the Patriots at the team’s website, www.elpaso-patriots.com. Also check out the El Paso Times Soccer Mania section for the latest Patriots news, features and game stories at www.elpasotimes.com/soccermania.
