Community Champions: San Elizario boys and girls soccer reach regional semis

The San Elizario soccer program placed not one, but two teams in the 4A regional semifinals, which begin Friday in Justin, Texas.

The San Elizario girls team is in the Sweet 16 for the first time in program history and will meet Stephenville with a place in the regional final on the line.

Meanwhile, the San Elizario boys team has been in this position before. They’re looking to use Friday’s match against Argyle as a stepping stone toward repeating as state champions.

“Well, it’s an amazing accomplishment that both teams have made it together. I’m pretty sure that both of us, the girls and the guys, we worked really hard to be here right now, so we’re really excited,” said San Elizario boys senior midfielder Richard Gutierrez.

But it’s not just hard work that has landed the Eagles in this position yet again. It’s their work ethic combined with a sense of trust.

“No matter what, we have each other’s backs,” said Gutierrez. “And that makes us feel confident when we play every game.”

After seeing the boys team win the title last year, the girls team thinks they have what it takes to pull off the same feat.

“Our ultimate goal is to be state champions and for San Eli to be proud of us,” said girls freshman midfieler Amber Ayala. “And we’re gonna be champions.”

El Paso also has two more teams to root for in the regional semifinals.

The Clint boys team will play in the Sweet 16 Friday against Stephenville. They could meet San Elizario in the 4A regional final for the right to go to the Final Four.

Also, in Class 5A boys soccer, Bel Air looks to continue its dominant run through the postseason Friday in a matchup against Burleson.

The Highlanders have not yet surrendered a goal in three postseason victories while netting a total of 12 goals themselves.