On Thursday evening, the North boys soccer program hosted the Ponies from Grapevine Middle School as the season kicked off with a bang. As defending District Champs, the Cougars were looking to start strong and defend their home pitch.

With the A Team up first, North immediately pushed the ball up the field and applied some early pressure. However, a quick turnaround led to a breakout by Grapevine who rapidly moved the ball down the field and punched it into the net to take the 1-0 lead. The Ponies followed up that score with another not long after to take control of the match with a 2-0 lead. But the Cougars were not going to go down that easily... and gained some momentum after Tomas Morales cut into the box and drew a penalty kick for North. Ryan Snelling converted the goal and North found themselves down 2-1 at the half as they looked to make the comeback in the second frame. A foul on North in the box gave Grapevine the momentum back as they knocked in the PK, but that would be all that North would allow behind strong play from both keepers: Carter Smith and Imanol Riojas Daza. North then dialed up the pressure and worked to get back in the game. With time winding down, Diego Cuberos found the back of the net to bring North within 1. However, a final flurry didn't yield a score and the Cougars A team fell by a 3-2 final.

Following the exciting first match, the B Teams took the pitch looking to make their marks as well. And the Cougars didn't waste any time in trying to avenge the A Team loss. 2 goals by Sergio Exposito Perez along with additional scores from Aiden Gambrell and John Ortiz helped North control the first half and go to the break with a 4-0 advantage. As the second half continued, both of the Cougar keepers (Ashwath Kolla and Matthew De Santiago) were not asked to do much behind a strong defensive line and active midfield, but stayed active and ready. Another goal from John Ortiz sealed the deal as the North B squad went on to win 5-1.

With the season underway, plan to come on out and support the North Boys soccer program this spring! #GoCougars

UP NEXT:
AWAY vs. Colleyville MS; Thursday, April 10th
A Team at 5:00, B Team to follow around 6:00.

Overall
A: 0-1
B: 1-0