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El Paso Bel Air came into Saturday’s game having not allowed more than two goals to one team all season. The Highlanders were 28-0-1 and looking to add a second boys state soccer championship to their trophy case.
But Frisco Lone Star had other plans.
Leading scorer and senior Bartek Zabek scored a brace and was named state champ MVP as the Rangers ran by Bel Air 4-1 in the UIL Class 5A championship at Birkelbach Field in Georgetown.
Lone Star, in its first state tournament appearance, ends the season 24-1-2. The Rangers shut out Pflugerville Connally 3-0 in Thursday’s semifinals.
The two goals by Zabek are tied for the most in a UIL boys soccer state championship. He’s the 24th player to score two goals in a title game, sixth in Class 5A.
Jamin Samons hit Zabek in the 19th minute on a give and go and the MVP hit a shot to the far post past Bel Air keeper Luis Villa. Lone Star would hold onto a 1-0 lead going into intermission.
Zabek scored his second goal in the 46th minute when the ball went off the head of Tucker Eason and Zabek’s first shot was deflected before he sent in his second attempt. Lone Star added another goal for a 3-0 lead in the 60th minute when Salim Chavez hit a free kick to the top of the box and Samons ripped it near the right post.
Eason added Lone Star’s fourth goal on a penalty kick in the 73rd minute.
Bel Air’s lone goal came in the 68th minute when Sebastian Licon’s cross in the box was headed in by Ruben Esparza one yard way. The Highlanders got off nine shots, five in the first half with seven total coming on goal. Esparza led with the team with three shots.
Lone Star had 14 shots, 10 in the second half and five total on goal.
Zabek had five shots. The Rangers also had six of seven corners coming after intermission. Lone Star keeper Matt Trouy made six saves. Lone Star ends the seasons having won its final 10 games and owned a overall goal differential of 95-19, including 24-4 in the playoffs.
Lone Star’s only loss came 1-0 against Frisco Wakeland in January.
Bel Air had outscored teams 128-15 prior to Saturday with 22-2 in six playoff games. The Highlands beat Mission Sharyland 4-1 in Thursday’s semifinals.
