Bastrop rallies again, advances to third round in soccer playoffs

Bastrop's Gael Ramirez (22), who scored the winning goal in the second half, dribbles against Sharpstown

By Jim Irish

Photos by Jorge Gaona

BRYAN -- Bastrop is keeping their fans on the edge of their stadium seats with its come-from-behind theatrics.

For the second consecutive UIL Class 5A Division II playoff soccer match, the Bears rallied from a goal down to prevail over Sharpstown 2-1 at Rudder High School on Tuesday.

The Bears (15-5-4) have matched last year's march to the third round of the playoffs. They will encounter Splendora (15-6-6), a 2-1 winner over Iowa Colony, at Bellville High School at 6:30 p.m. on Friday.

Bastrop's winning goal stunned most spectators because the match appeared headed for overtime.

Bastrop athletes celebrate after the 2-1 victory over Sharpstown

In the 74th minute, wing Angel Chavez's kick bounced off two Sharpstown players. Striker Caden Justice gained control of the loose ball. He dribbled deep down the right wing and then crossed it to Gael Ramirez, who, despite being marked closely, flicked it with his right foot past Sharpstown goalkeeper Jesse Rodriguez to the left corner. The goal was only Ramirez's second of the season.

"In the playoffs, you have to have guys step up," said Sharpstown coach Greg Boles, who is retiring after 12 seasons as head coach. "(Ramirez) made a play."

Bastrop prevented striker Tony Fajardo, Sharpstown's prolific scorer with 29 goals on the season, from adding to his total. His left-footed shot bounced out of Bastrop goalie Gavin Meraz's hands n the 4th minute. Tyler Cadle was unmarked and beat Meraz to score the game's first goal after Bastrop left back Alan Cardenas had shifted to the center.

"We were able to get that early goal and a little bit of momentum," Boles said. "They've got so many weapons. It's tough to get everybody covered on the field.

"They started unlocking us, breaking us down, getting into good space and creating dangerous one-on-one situations."

Bastrop's Caden Justice (left) points to his teammates after his assist on the game-winning goal in the

Bastrop earned the equalizer in the 37th minute. Franklin Gutierrez dribbled through open space in the center of the field and lifted the ball over Sharpstown defenders to Isaac Velasquez. Rodriguez, rushing out of the goal, collided with Velasquez, who chipped the ball high over Rodriguez's head and into the goal for his fourth score of the season.

"Getting that goal in the first half was big," Bastrop coach Greg Vuagniaux said. "The first 40 minutes, we played with a lot of nervous energy. We didn't pass with conviction."

Vuagniaux didn't hesitate to substitute during the match.

"We're rotating our midfield," he said. "It's an 80-minute gritty game."

Sharpstown's offense moved through tall left wing Josue Kouadio, a native of Ivory Coast who dribbled with agility and speed. Bastrop nullified Kouadio with a defender shadowing him and backup behind.

"(Kouadio) drew so much attention throughout the entire game," Vuagniaux said. "He was the first guy on the ball."

Jim Irish is a freelance writer in Bastrop, Texas