Lions to face Sulphur Springs in key soccer contest
February 27, 2009

By DAVID CLAYBOURN
Herald-Banner Staff

GREENVILLE -- Greenville’s Lions will try to stay alone in first place in the District 20-4A soccer race when they travel to Sulphur Springs to take on the Wildcats tonight.

Scheduled game times are at 5:30 and 7:15 p.m. for the junior varsity and varsity contests at Gerald Prim Stadium.

Greenville is 7-5-3 for the season and 4-0-1 in district play after blanking Commerce 5-0 on Tuesday night. Ryan Wilhelm scored a hat trick to lead the Lions in that game and Luis Serrato and Freddy Ramirez also scored as Greenville had a 15-2 advantage in shots on goal.

Goalkeepers Matt Mouer and Francisco Quezadas combined for the shutout as Mouer saved two shots.

Chris Gutierrez, Ramon Alvarez and Christian Zaquez were credited with assists for the Lions.

Greenville coach Jeff Crank said the Lions didn’t play well in the second half.

“I thought we relaxed a little too much the second half,” he said.

Sulphur Springs ranks second to the Lions in the district standings. The Wildcats won their last match 3-0 over North Lamar. Rodrigo Larios, Leo Becerra and Dylan Rutherford all scored for the Wildcats.

Sulphur Springs coach Andy Holt told the Sulphur Springs News-Telegram that the Wildcats need to win tonight’s match.

“If we want a chance to contend for a district title we have to win on Friday,” he said.

The Lions won the first matchup with Sulphur Springs 1-0 in Greenville on Feb. 11. Carlos Najera scored the game’s only goal.