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ABILENE It was the kind of game that Odessa High wanted to play — fast pace and lots of pressure on the opposing defense. Even with those efforts, it was not enough as the Bronchos saw their season come to an end Tuesday night, falling 2-1 to Euless Trinity in the Class 6A area round at McMurry University’s Wilford Moore Stadium. A goal in the 71st minute by Mina Youssef proved to be the difference to move the Trojans ahead to the regional quarterfinals for the first time in program history. “I thought our team played a good game,” Odessa High head coach Eliseo Ortiz said. “We made a couple of mistakes that cost us, and that’s just how it is. “We also had more opportunities that we didn’t put in. If you allow more opportunities, that’s what happens.” “I’m proud of our guys for just not giving up and not quitting,” Euless Trinity head coach Tracy Duren said. “We had to battle a lot of adversity this year. “Odessa High can take out of your game really easily and that’s a credit to how well-coached they are, but I’m proud of my kids for overcoming that.” That pressure was apparent from the moment that the match kicked off. Less than a minute into the game, the Bronchos went out on the attack as Jesus Montes fired a shot on goal that Trinity goalkeeper Ilan Mselati deflected away. Odessa High (13-7-5 overall) had a chance at a corner kick, but was unable to convert. The Bronchos kept up the pressure, while Trinity (15-5-2) waited to counter. Midway through the first half, the Trojans were able to make it count. Midfielder Chen Adjei was able to break away from the Bronchos defensive back line and finish one in the back of the net in the 21st minute, giving the Trojans a 1-0 lead. Odessa High had its chances late in the first half, but was unable to convert, facing a deficit to try and keep their season alive. “It was a big moment for us,” Odessa High defender Oscar Chaidez said of the halftime adjustments. “We didn’t want to fold and we wanted to keep fighting.” The Bronchos kept the pressure going in the early stages of the second half and were rewarded for their efforts in the 63rd minute. Cain Cordova sprinted down the field on a breakaway and found Alan Rubio charging down the right side of the field. And after being denied earlier in the half, Rubio found the right touch, putting it past the goalkeeper for the equalizer. However, Trinity had an answer down the stretch. After pushing the ball forward and with Adjei racing down the middle of the field, the ball made its way to the foot of Youssef at the back post. Youssef fired the ball ahead for the eventual game-winner. “We had just subbed Mina back into the game and it was a great confidence boost to see him do that,” said Duren of the goal. “It was a huge goal for our team.” The Bronchos had a few chances to come with another equalizer, but were unable to convert before time ran out. Still, Ortiz was proud of how his team gave itself a chance at the end. “I’m very proud of the guys for the amount of fight that they showed,” he said. “As a coach, that’s all you can ask for. It’s sad that the season is over but, I love this team and I’m very fortunate and privileged to have coached them.”

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Trinity High School Athletics

EULESS TRINITY KNOCKS OFF ODESSA HIGH

TONY VENEGAS

Odessa American | 4/4/2019

PHOTO CREDIT: Trinity Athletics