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TOUGH BATTLE — Edgar Salazar (7) battles for the ball with an Athens player during the Wildcats' Bi-District playoff game Thursday. Salazar scored the first goal of the game 45 seconds into the second half of the game, helping the Wildcats gain momentum in their 2-0 victory. Photo by DJ Spencer
Camacho records two assists
LINDALE — The Sulphur Springs Wildcats earned a hard-fought 2-0 victory in their Bi-District playoff game against the Athens Hornets at Eagle Stadium in Lindale Thursday. After a scoreless first half, the Wildcats would score two goals in the second half that made the difference in the game, leading to the win.
The first half would be a defensive battle, as both teams struggled on offense. Both teams missed out on multiple scoring opportunities, leading to a scoreless tie in the first half.
It didn’t take long for the course of the game in the second half, as only 45 seconds into the half, the Wildcats took the lead when Edgar Salazar scored a goal off an assist from Aubrey Camacho. This gave the Wildcats a 1-0 lead with 39:15 left to play.
After 15 minutes without another score, the Wildcats added to their lead when Alexis Pasion scored a goal off an assist from Camacho. This brought the score to 2-0 with 24:10 remaining.
The Hornets tried desperately to score in the remaining time, but the Wildcats would shut them down at every opportunity, as the Wildcats held on for a 2-0 victory.
“It was a big win,” head coach Alexi Upton said. “We outworked Athens, and I am so proud of our boys. We had amazing support.”
Pasion and Salazar both finished with one goal each, both of which were assisted by Camacho.
With this win, the Wildcats are now 19-8-1 and advance to the Area round, where they will face the Palestine Wildcats. The game will be Tuesday, March 28 at Earl Campbell Field at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium in Tyler, beginning at 7:30 p.m.