Panthers fighting their way into playoff picture

By John English

Special to the Courier

The Colleyville Heritage boys soccer team had a strong effort last week, going 1-0-1 and improving its position within the district playoff standings.

The Panthers will square off with Irving on Friday night, and in spite of suffering a 3-1 loss to the Tigers earlier this season, coach Mike Ridley said he believes that the game is definitely winnable for his team.

“It's crazy, because I look at that record and who they have played and what they have done against teams,” Ridley said. “And it must be a match-up thing. We must just not match up with them. They've got some team speed, and they score a lot of goals, but they also give up a lot of goals.

“We just didn't seem to be able to keep up with them the first time, and I don't know if we were just flat that night or what. It's going to be a tough game, but I think we can definitely beat them.”

Colleyville played to a 1-1 tie with Grapevine on Friday night, and Ridley said it was pretty much what he expected between his team and the Mustangs.

“It was a well-fought game, and a good old rival game,” Ridley said. “For us, it was a good comeback. They scored first in the game, and I thought our guys came back and showed a lot of heart to come back and get the tie.

“We beat them the first time on a penalty kick, and I told our kids that we got lucky that night, and it would take a lot to beat them again. Coming up with the tie, especially being down one, we were pleased.”

Colleyville Heritage defeated Trinity 1-0 last Tuesday, and Ridley said defeating the Trojans was good for his team, especially since Trinity is ranked ahead of Colleyville Heritage in the district standings.

“It was good for us,” Ridley said. “We gave them a goal in the first game, and I felt that we could beat them. Now, they are a good team.

“They move the ball really well and it was a tough game, and we got lucky to sneak one in. We have a tough road ahead, but I really think we can do it.”

The Panthers were 3-4-2 in district following the draw with Grapevine and in fourth place in district.

“We are playing very well,” Ridley said. “They are keeping their focus most of the time, and we're having a good time.”

Over at Grapevine, the Mustangs rebounded from a 2-0 loss to L.D. Bell last Tuesday to get the draw with Colleyville Heritage on Friday night, halting a two-game skid.

Grapevine moved to 1-6-2 in district with the draw.

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