HS Soccer: SMHS boys shut out Southside

San Marcos freshman Jonathan Becerra tries to gain control of the ball during the Rattlers’ 2-0 win Friday.(Daily Record Photo by Gerald Castillo

Considering the San Marcos boys soccer team has more speed than size, Friday night’s home win over San Antonio-Southside played out perfectly for the Rattlers.

Possessing the ball the majority of the game, San Marcos was able to shut out the Cardinals for a 2-0 victory, improving to 5-4-1 on the season.

“We played really good possession soccer and it’s a style that really fits this team with the way these guys play,” SMHS head boys soccer coach Sean Dickson said. “We’re not the biggest and strongest, but tactically speaking, they really like to play possession soccer and it really fits their style of play.”

After scoreless first sophomore Christian Munoz scored the first goal of the game off a penalty kick which was rewarded to the Rattlers after senior Ruben Becerra was tripped from behind before a one-on-one opportunity against Southside’s goalie.

The Rattlers took a 2-0 lead with less than eight minutes left in the game when junior Christian Becerra corner kick was headed into the goal by senior Ed Erbizu after making a strong run into the box before redirecting the shot off his head.

“It was a beautiful header,” Dickson said.

Thanks to the solid play of the Rattlers’ back line, Southside didn’t record any shots on goal, allowing SMHS senior goalie to record the shutout.

“We have a lot of experience in the back line and that really helps,” Dickson said. “They are our anchors on defense.”

The Rattlers are back in action Friday night with a 7:45 p.m. game at Lockhart.