Dallas Morning News HS Soccer Rankings for 3/6

Since the other thread in this category got a little off topic, I decided to start new.

Class 5A

Rk. School Record
1. Coppell 14-1-1
2. Flower Mound Marcus 15-1-1
3. Duncanville 15-1-1
4. Rockwall 14-1-4
5. Richardson Pearce 19-1-3
6. Hebron 11-3-4
7. Lake Highlands 12-1-4
8. Jesuit 12-4-1
9. Flower Mound 9-4-3
10. Keller Fossil Ridge 11-2-4

No change from last week. Is this Coppell team better than last years?

Round 2 of Coppell vs FM Marcus tomorrow night at Coppell HS.

Should be one final round next month on the way to State.

Final score was a 1-1 tie. Coppell was clearly the better team throughout, but conceded the equalizer with less than 10 minutes left on a header off a corner kick. Coppell had many more scoring chances and controlled play for the most part. Marcus seemed much more relaxed than in the first meeting, but seemed reluctant to push forward on the attack in fear of getting countered. They tried to attack with 2 and 3 players, which was fruitless. Coppell could have gone up 2-0 before half, but had a goal disallowed due to being offside. After Marcus scored, they were energized and also had a goal disallowed for being offside just a few minutes later.

As in the first game, Marcus played a gritty, defensive-minded style. Their keeper made a handful of quality saves in the first half, taking several high balls in traffic. The Coppell keeper was not tested for the most part, and the Coppell defense faltered when it mattered most. To answer your question SoccerDummy, I did not see Coppell play last year. But I believe they are the odds-on favorite to win it all this year. Marcus can hang with them, but I don't know if they can generate enough offense to beat them. I will say this, Coppell will give up a goal or two in a game. If Marcus has a chance to knock them off, it will probably be a game where they capitalize on an early mistake and take a lead, then pack it in and hold on for dear life. In both games so far they have had to play from behind, and that doesn't suit their style.

I did see some college scouts at the game last night, no doubt in town for the FCD Showcase this weekend. They were treated to the best that Texas HS has to offer. Congrats to both teams for living up to the hype, and for keeping emotions in check this time around. See you again in the regionals.

In 4A action, Frisco Heritage beat Frisco Liberty 3-2 last night. Heritage scored within the first couple of minutes, then Liberty scored not long after, although it looked like an own goal. Heritage scored off a corner with 20 minutes left on game, then on a breakaway with 10 seconds left. Liberty put one in with 2 seconds left for a 3-2 ending score. Was a great game with tons of school spirit in the stands!

I had a brief conversation with a college scout at the game. It was a great night for soccer and we had a fantastic crowd from Flower Mound and Coppell. Lots of fun and tons of soccer fans!

Glad to hear everyone had a good time. Loved the homemade noise makers the Marcus parents were shaking. It seemed they were hyped up on caffeine from their empty soda bottles filled with pennies. LOL!

Gotta love HS soccer!

Round 3 coming up...

Yes the Coppell team is the real deal. They had a great touch, few if any air balls ever hit the ground first, #25 was great. As for Marcus they had great verbal communication in the field which help the score stay low. Great game from two great teams!