Salado Eagles varsity soccer return to the playoffs as the third place team in District 25-4A after a win over Jarrell and a loss to Liberty Hill last week.

The boys lost to Liberty Hill 1-0 after two rounds of penalty kicks in the final home match on March 13.

“These guys have a never-say-die attitude and their hard work over the past season showed in this game against the district champion team,” Coach Michael Goos said.  “We held this team until the very end.  I couldn’t be more impressed with these boys, and I look forward to seeing what they can do in playoffs.”

The Eagles will face Taylor, the second place team from District 25-4A.

Scoring penalty kicks in the extra periods were  Kaden Smein, Brandon Rodriguez, Christian Martinez, Armando Castillo, Alex Carmona, Camden LaCanne and Costas Loullis.

The boys beat Jarrell 4-2 on March 10 to secure a spot in the playoffs.

Forward Brandon Rodriguez and Outside Midfielder Christian Martinez led the squad scoring two goals each.

They were given assists by Manuel Magadan, Daniel Magadan, Scout Puckett and Alex Carmona.

“We went into the game confident and ready to play,” Rodriguez said of the Jarrell game. “After scoring the first goal, assisted by Manuel, we continued to work hard.  After Jarrell evened the score we played with determination to even the win.”