Mineola feasted on a struggling Gladewater Bears side Monday, March 22 and secured a senior night 6-0 soccer victory.

The win wrapped up the season for the Yellowjackets and gave Coach Shelby Turner a chance to give all hands significant playing time. 

Despite the challenges of a tough season, the Jackets were in great spirits as they honored their seniors in the pre-game. Once on the pitch, it did not take Mineola long to find the strings in the back of the net.

In the 8th minute, Nathan Rojas put a great centering ball into play which fell at the feet of Mineola attackers Alexis Villeda and Omar Galaz. The ball was punched in for the opening score. 

It was another Rojas centering pass from the left wing which added a score in the 18th minute. Jairo Mata was alone in the box, and Rojas had targeted him with the a hard centering pass. The Gladewater keeper stepped out to interdict the pass, and the ball deflected in sharply for an own goal.

The game play had been established. Mineola was having target practice and trying to get goal opportunities for specific teammates. It was good to see. 

Competitively however, it wasn’t much of a match. Gladewater had four forays into their offensive zone in the first half and three in the second. Their only shot on goal came in the 77th minute.  

For Mineola, Ramiro Mata, Gustavo Sanchez and Riley Weekly each had solid scoring chances in the first half.  At the break the Jackets were up 2-0. 

There are correct ways to bring young players onto the pitch, and the second half of the match provided a great example of this. As young Mineola players came on, the home side always had a couple of seasoned veterans also on the pitch to provide leadership and oversight. 

One of those seasoned leaders, Nathan Rojas, quickly doubled the score to 4-0 with strikes from 28 and 30 meters in the 41st and 45th minutes of play. The first was a shot from open play while the second was a graceful free kick. 

Fernal Ventura slotted home a rocket from directly in front of goal to add a fifth score in the 57th minute.

Lastly, Gustavo Sanchez was the beneficiary of a “howler” as an exhausted Gladewater goal keeper let Sanchez’ shot slip through his hands. 

With another season of spirited and disciplined soccer complete, and plenty of young legs to fill the ranks, the Mineola soccer program is on solid ground.