Special to RGV Fútbol

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PHARR, 18 Aug. - The inaugural South Texas Premier Soccer Association’s 18-and-Under All-Star Game series concluded with a 3-1 victory by the Brownsville East All-Stars over the STXPSA West All-Stars on Tuesday at Valley View High School Stadium in Hidalgo.

With the 3-1 triumph, the East All-Stars claimed the trophy by virtue of a 6-3 aggregate score. The Brownsville squad rallied on Aug. 9 to defeat the West 3-2 in the first-leg of the series played at the Brownsville Sports Park.

"We’re really happy with both events. We saw a good level of soccer from the kids and they gave it their all," said the event’s co-organizer Miguel Puente. "It was truly a soccer fiesta that started since last week and came to an end tonight with the trophy ceremony in front of family, parents, friends, soccer fans and the whole community that came out to support this series of events."

The goals by the East in Tuesday’s matchup were scored by Alan Cortinas (2) and José Muñoz. Cortinas scored four of the East’s six goals in the series.

On the other side of the field, the West momentarily equalized the game at 1-all on a tally by striker José Ángel “Torito” Soto. It was the third goal of the series for Soto.

The All-Star Game series served as a way to display the Valley’s soccer talent in the 14- to 18-year-old category.

At the conclusión of the second-leg match, the Coordinator of the Institute for Mexicans in the Exterior (IME) of the Mexican Consulate, Claudia Trujillo, awarded the players on both sides with gold and silver medals and presented the trophy to East captain Abraham Troncoso, who lifted the prize. Troncoso’s gesture was greeted by applause and cheers from his teammates and the fans that travelled from Brownsville to support their youth players.

"It was a very nice event and we’re very happy to have been here to participate in it," said Trujillo of the IME. "We appreciate the invitation to be a part of the event by the league and we are here to support those that live in the exterior."

Prior to kickoff, Valley players Reynol Fuentes and Damián López were recognized by the STXPSA for their outstanding performance with the USL Premier Development League finalist Laredo Heat during the 2011 season.

Fuentes, a Mission native, was a Sharyland High School standout, while López excelled at McAllen Memorial. Both players played for RGV Bravos FC during the 2009 PDL season.

Before the All-Star Game, a preliminary game was held between the Atlas Academy and a Brownsville U-12 squad. The Lower Valley team defeated the Atlas Academy 2-1.

West All-Stars: Javier Olvera, Samuel Mendoza, Víctor Colión, Jonathan Mata, Eduardo Chávez, Salvador Jiménez, Gilberto Alanis, Israel Lince, Amaury Lozano, Leonardo Álvarez, Jonathan Martínez, José Ángel Soto, Gerardo Garza Jr., José Escareño, Alán Hernández, Javier García, Rigoberto Hernández, Daniel García, Luis Gómez, Delber Rivera and Luis Guerra. Head Coach: Gerardo Garza.

East All-Stars: Carlos Vásquez, Willy Aranda, Luis López, Jesús García, Ricardo Reyes, Francisco Morales, Cruz Gamboa, Miguel Cruz, Mando Gonzáles, Alberto Villarreal, Gilberto Rico, Giovani Sierra, Daniel Olivares, José Muñoz, Abraham Troncoso, Rodrigo Juárez, Alán Cortinas, Leo Carrasco, Jorge Elizalde, Patricio Vallejo, Carlos Acevedo, Rey Sandoval, Juan González and Freddy Hernández. Head Coach: Enrique Rivera.

For more information about the league or the upcoming fall season, call (956) 212-5750 or visit www.stxpsa.com.