Senior Brayden Beason scored two goals as Timber Creek fought off Byron Nelson 3-1 in a Class 6A Region 1 quarterfinal on Saturday in Southlake.
Timber Creek advances to its first regional tourney where the Falcons will face off against Allen on Friday from McKinney ISD Stadium.
“Great things that we built off last year and carrying it on this year. We talk to them about being humble and hungry,” Timber Creek coach Daniel Rincon said. “The challenge was there, we knew we could break that challenge and they did it tonight.”
Byron, which appeared in the third round for the second time in three years, finished fourth in District 4-6A and knocked off 3-6A champ North Crowley in the first round. Timber Creek won the district and beat the Bobcats twice this season.
“It feels amazing. I know that feeling of being knocked out and lose so it’s nice to be on the other side,” Beason said. “It’s great to advance and continue.”
But the Bobcats put the pressure on early with a shot in the second minute. Both teams had their attempts within the first 10 minutes, but both defenses did a great job to keep it scoreless.
A cross from Timber Creek and header was caught by Byron keeper Michael Garza. A free kick from Byron’s Bryan Beck was secured by Timber Creek keeper Garrett McGee in the 10th minute.
“Kudos to Byron. They played a great game,” Rincon said.
The Falcons, who won their 21st game, scored in the 19th minute when Beason took a pass just outside the box, turned and beat a defender before hitting a strike from about 20 yards out. Beason was looking for his second goal six minutes later, but Garza made the diving save to push the ball out of bounds.
“I was able to get the ball at the top of the box, turn and do my thing,” Beason said. “I saw some wide open space and it was just fluid.”
Byron had a short free kick in the 28th minute, but the defense stopped it and cleared.
Both teams continued to have good possessions to end the half.
Timber Creek was called for a hand ball inside the box, but Byron’s penalty kick was wide and high to keep the Falcons up 1-0 in the 32nd minute. Two more chances from the Bobcats was caught and secured by McGee before intermission.
The Falcons added to the lead in the 56th minute when Kyle Gallegos found Essien Behn for the header and 2-0 lead.
Byron Nelson avoided the shutout and cut the lead in half in the 60th minute when Josiah Lucas finished off a Bobcats corner. Byron had the heavy advantage in corner kicks during the match.
The Bobcats nearly got the equalizer two minutes later, but the attempt was high.
Timber Creek got some insurance in the 66th minute to go up 3-1 when Beason converted an Antonio De Le Torre pass. McGee made 12 saves for Timber Creek.
The Falcons went to the playoffs for the first time last season and won a first round game.
“McGee is one of a kind and I’m surprised he’s not committed by now,” Beason said. “The back line did a great job and the work paid off. We knew we’d be a good team, just had to stay healthy. But I knew we could go far. It’s just nice to do it and not actually dream it.”
“They buy-in in what we’re asking them to do and they’ve demonstrated that last year and this year and in practice,” Rincon added. “There are relations with each other and the coaches and that makes it special.”
Boys Regional Quarterfinal Recap CLICK HERE
Girls Regional Quarterfinal Recap CLICK HERE
DFW regional quarterfinal scores CLICK HERE
