A memorable postseason run by Flowing Wells’ boys soccer team came to an end Wednesday night at Tucson High.
But soon enough, first-year coach Vince Phillips hopes to have the Caballeros in the same position as the perennial power that knocked them off.
Sixth-seeded Phoenix Cortez scored three goals in the first 26 minutes and held on for a 3-1 win against No. 2 Flowing Wells in the boys Division III state semifinals, advancing to its fifth state title match in eight seasons.
The Caballeros had won six straight matches and were one victory away from advancing to the state finals for the first time but Cortez was out for redemption, after losing to the eventual champ in the semifinals a year ago. The Colts face top-seeded Yuma Catholic on Saturday with a chance to win their fifth state crown.
“It meant everything to us, we really wanted this ring,” said junior Edgar Venalonzo, who scored Flowing Wells’ lone goal. “We wanted to do it for the seniors and we wanted to do it because everybody doubted us. We came up short tonight but we put up a good fight.”
Flowing Wells (13-5-1 overall) fell into a 3-0 hole after 26 minutes on Wednesday night. Cortez controlled possession from the start and scored its first two goals in the 13th and 20th minutes.
“You spot a team two goals, it’s very difficult at this level to come back,” Phillips said.
The Caballeros tried to fight their way back into the match from there and the possibility of a comeback seemed strong after they began to find an offensive rhythm. Flowing Wells got on the board when Venalonzo scored on a penalty kick in the 31st minute.
But the team was unable to capitalize on any opportunities over the final 69 minutes, putting an end to an unforgettable season.
“It was really special because we almost got all the way to the state finals,” said Cesar Hernandez, a senior for Flowing Wells. “I hope they make the finals next year, they still have a good team.”
Phillips will lose Hernandez and five other seniors to graduation but he’s optimistic for the future, especially after having so much success this season. With the underclassmen who played on varsity and the newcomers from the lower-level squad, the coach hopes to be back where they left off on Wednesday night.
“It’s going to be a good season again next year,” Phillips said. “It starts with one win at a time, one cross at a time – all of that stuff. It’s just those steps we’ve got to take and we took a misstep today. We’ll be back.”
