By Brian Gosset
X – @gosset41
X – @gmsportsmedia1
GEORGETOWN – The Lake Dallas boys soccer team started the season with a 1-6-5 record before making an improbable run to the state title match on Thursday at Birkelbach Field.
Playing another strong playoff team in Waco La Vega (27-2), the Falcons’ incredible magic came up short 1-0 to the Pirates in the Class 4A D1 championship.
Lake Dallas (11-7-6) beat FW Eastern Hills 1-0 in the bi-district round, Stephenville in penalty kicks in area, El Paso Ysleta 2-1 in the regional semifinals and rallied from a 3-1 deficit to stun Decatur 4-3 in the Region 1 Final.
Then making its first appearance in the state semifinals, Lake Dallas downed Palestine 2-1 to secure a spot in Georgetown.
On Thursday, the Falcons and Pirates were pretty even with Lake Dallas holding a slight edge in first-half shots, 6-5. Overall, both teams had 8 shots and 4 corners apiece.
The Falcons did have chances with all 3 first-half corners in a span of 7 minutes, but they couldn’t capitalize.
Lake Dallas had a shot in the 34th minute from Martin Gonzalez, but it was saved by La Vega goalkeeper Alex Zaleta Rubio.
La Vega took a 1-nil lead in the 43rd minute on a goal by Angel Cervantes Calvillo with the assist from Dovanny Morales. Calvillo was voted state champ MVP.
After 6 shots in the first half, Lake Dallas struggled to get looks following the intermission. The Falcons were held to only 2 shots after the break, which came in the final 15 minutes.
Lake Dallas keeper Lanz Lavina recorded 3 saves.
