The Mineola Yellowjackets soccer side was overpowered by Chapel Hill in the Jacket’s home finale, last Monday, by a 3-0 score.

The evening’s result is not a true measure of the Mineola soccer program. Consider this: Mineola started five freshmen and three sophomores in the Chapel Hill match. Not only is Chapel Hill destined for the playoffs, but they are one of the 4A-sized schools Mineola plays.    

It is hoped that soon a 3A district will take shape which will give the Jackets a more equal footing. 

Prior to the match, Mineola head coach Shelby Turner could not have been more laudatory of the group which has had a tough go this season. “We are young, but we have a great sense of competitiveness and a tremendous outlook,” he said. “The team has improved markedly throughout the season. They are having fun, and building experience for the future.”

The Bulldogs’ attacking was relentless on the night. In the first half, Chapel Hill pressed 16 attacks against the Jackets defense. The visitors managed just one goal in the half thanks to the physical defending of the Mineola backline – most notably by Kase Karch, Eduardo Jiminez and Paul Stanley – and a stellar effort by Mineola goalkeeper David Reyes. 

Reyes was locked in throughout the match. Unofficially, he is credited with seven saves in the first half and 10 in the second half.  

The opening goal came from a Chapel Hill corner. The cross appeared to be heading for the near post and Chapel Hill feigned attacking the cross there, which drew the defense away from the center of the box. A point blank header was dispatched into the net from the second row of attackers in the 26th minute. 

The Jackets mustered seven attacks on goal in the first half. The best opportunities came in the 4th and the 33rd minutes. In the first attack, Michael Camargo stole a Chapel Hill throw-in, found Givanni Campuzano down the left wing who managed a shot off his left foot. His effort went just wide to the long side of goal.

Just before halftime Brayan Torres received a free kick centering pass in front of goal, turned on it in a crowd and placed a solid shot on goal. Unfortunately, it was directly at the Bulldog goalkeeper.

In the first 13 minutes of the second half, Reyes was forced to make four saves on a variety of Chapel Hill shots. The pressure became too much and a second goal was conceded in the 53rd minute.

In the 58th minute a hard shot with especially tough english spun off of Reyes’ mitts for the third Chapel Hill goal.

The Jackets nearly etched the scoreboard in the 73rd minute. Nice combination play from Torres to Marco Medina started the attack. Medina found Campuzano with a cross who put a sharp shot on goal, but once more, almost right at the Bulldog keeper. 

Mineola moved their lines forward as the clock ticked on, but they could not find the back of the net. The change in posture opened the team to counterattack, and Reyes made five saves in the final 12 minutes.   

Mineola wrapped up their 2023 campaign Monday with their season-ending match at Lindale.