Victory sweet, despite sour behavior from Coppell fans

Porter players, officials say chants didnt affect performance

BY MIKE GONZALEZ

The Brownsville Herald

Porter High Schools historic soccer championship has been the talk of the town since the 2-1 overtime win over the nationally ranked No. 2 Coppell Cowboys on April 15.

Thousands are expected to gather today at Sams Memorial Stadium to continue cheering the winning Cowboys with the signature chant for this Class 5A championship run: Si se puede!

The catch phrase of the 2006 soccer season was painted on car windows, printed on shirts and banners, and could be heard at the Round Rock ISD Stadium during the overtime match against the North Texas team favored to win the 5A title.

Since returning from the game, Porter players, coaches and fans have also reported that their cheers were met with jeers from the opposing teams supporters, including some racial and ethnically disparaging remarks.

A poster depicting Speedy Gonzalez, the Warner Bros. Mexican cartoon mouse, was displayed by Coppell fans and taken down during the game after Porter fans complained to officials.

Porter defender Cristian Sierra recalled Coppell fans taunting him during the game.

They (Coppell fans) told me, You suck you beaner! Sierra, a junior, said.

We got upset, he said of enduring chants of USA! USA! by Coppell fans, who implied the Porter players were not from the United States. But we still won, Sierra pointed out.

Calls to Coppells athletic director and high school principal seeking comment for this article were not returned.

Brownsville ISDs athletic director Joe Rodriguez saw most of the title game from the bleachers before heading to the field in the late minutes of the weekend game.

The longtime athletic director commented on the behavior of the North Texas fans who chanted bullshit to referees making calls on the field.

UIL (University Interscholastic League) doesnt condone anything like that, Rodriguez said. We did it with class. They (Coppell) were upset.

Rodriguez believes the opposing team came in thinking theyre superior.

Our kids came in with the attitude that you may be good, but were better.

Rodriguez has not addressed his concerns with Coppell officials but plans to contact them, and possibly the UIL.

Theres always two sides to it, he conceded. The one I didnt like was the BS word.

Porter right-defender Peter Ruiz played through the remarks shouted down to the field during the state title match. He said this week that hed like an apology.

It would be better, of course, Ruiz, a sophomore, said. I dont think (it will happen), but if they do, Ill respect them.

Porter coach Luis Zarate reminded his players during the game that, Were here to play soccer, he said.

Zarate said the unsportsmanlike behavior was not a total surprise, nor is it the first time hes witnessed it.

I couldve expected that, especially with two different (backgrounds between the teams), Zarate said. I wasnt paying attention. I tried to block it out.

Zarate said he has taught his players to be humble and block out negativity. He was proud when they hoisted the championship trophy in the air.

It looks embarrassing on their (Coppells) part, he said. I dont think it (remarks) affected them at all. Were state champs, thats all that matters.

mgonzalez@brownsvilleherald.com