Valley players making impact for UTB-TSC in men's soccer
Having a team that combines the talents of international players with those of players from the Rio Grande Valley has always been the goal of University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College men's soccer coach Dan Balaguero, a native of England.
It's been a formula for success as the Scorpions have won four Red River Athletic Conference championships prior to this season's second-place RRAC finish.
"I'm not trying to be funny, but if we had a team of all English guys here, we probably wouldn't win a game, and if we had a team of all Brownsville guys, it would probably be the same thing," Balaguero said. "We need to have that right combination of players, and it's something that every team does at every level (of college and pro soccer), especially when things get serious.
"We're not going to bring in someone from Brownsville just because they're from Brownsville if it means they won't be contributing to the team," he added. "We need (local) guys who can start or contribute at least by the time they're sophomores or juniors, and we have those type of players. It's the same with our international players."
UTB-TSC (13-5-2) departed Brownsville on Wednesday for its NAIA National Championship Opening Round game against No. 18 Belhaven University (15-4) at 1 p.m. Saturday at Jackson, Miss. A win Saturday advances the Scorpions as one of the 16 final teams to the NAIA Championships Nov. 28 through Dec. 3 at Orange Beach, Ala.
Goalkeeper Juan Gamboa, a Pace product, and midfielder Ricky Rodriguez of San Benito were two of the first Valley players to play important roles when soccer started at UTB-TSC in 2007. Juan Nava, a forward from Hidalgo, soon followed.
Those three have graduated, and Valley players who are making an impact on the current Scorpion squad include forward Mario Perez, a Porter product, midfielder Nestor Morales, a Lopez graduate, and defensive midfielder/fullback Jose Galvan of San Benito. All three are juniors.
"When (Valley) high school players see a Mario, a Nestor or a Jose doing well for us, it gives them aspirations of playing at this level, too, and that's great," Balaguero said. "That's what we want. We want the best players to stay here."
Other local players who contribute regularly off the bench include junior midfielder Jair Reyna, a Rivera product, and freshman forward Jorge Cantu, a Lopez product. In all, there are eight Valley players on the UTB-TSC roster this year plus another player from Edinburg who is redshirting.
Morales has been a surprise performer for the Scorpions this season after bouncing back from knee injuries.
"I'm proud of myself and the other local kids because, first of all, it's not easy to play for a team like this one," Morales said. "I'm happy that I'm part of the group that is representing Brownsville and the Valley. I'm thankful that Coach Balaguero gave me an opportunity to play for the Scorpions. It's a blessing to be playing where my family and friends can come and watch me play."
Added Perez, who earlier this week was selected first-team all-conference for the third straight year, "It's great to be able to play on the college level in my hometown surrounded by the guys on this team. It's a pretty good experience.
"I thank everyone who has been supporting me, especially my family and God," he added. "It's been great to stay around Brownsville and play here a few more years (beyond high school). We're working hard to achieve something (by making it to the final 16 of the national tournament). I'm trying to do my best to help the team."
Galvan said he has always wanted to play at the college level, and the fact that he is doing it so close to home, is quite satisfying.
"This is my dream," he said. "Playing college ball is all I ever wanted since I was a kid. Now that I'm on a team that is always winning, it feels great just to be a part of it.
"It's great for my family, too," he added. "They're always there to watch me play. Even though my mom works (early) in the day, she's there at 10 p.m. when the game ends to give me a hug. It just feels good to have your family and close friends there to support you (at home games).
"With the diversity of players we have, I feel very lucky to be on this team. Not all Valley players get the opportunity that we're getting, and we're enjoying it."
Roy Hess writes for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him via e-mail at rhess@brownsvilleherald.com.
