By RGV Fútbol/Staff

Related Links: Versión en Español

WESLACO, 11 Apr. - Two goals in a six minute span by Sharyland ended Brownsville Porter’s playoff run 2-0 Tuesday in the Region IV-5A quarterfinals at Bobby Lackey Stadium.

José Salinas tapped in a loose ball to the lower right corner in the 30th minute and Gilberto “Tito” Alanis added an insurance goal in the 24th to seal Sharyland’s victory, and advanced the Rattlers to their second Regional Tournament in three years.

"The game was really even. We suffered in the first half, but we started off the second half very good," said Salinas. "My goal calmed us down, and with the second one we relaxed. This is for the whole team. We planned all week. We had already lost against them, but in the end things worked out. We’re very happy and the team’s confident."

Sharyland will face Northside Jay in the Regional Tournament semifinals Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the Brownsville Sports Park.

"I’m very happy, especially for the kids. They deserve this, and much more. They’ve worked really hard since the beginning of the year," said Sharyland head coach Reveriano Hernández. "This isn’t going to be easy. The one who wants it is going to have to sweat, and leave everything on the field."

The Rattlers qualified to the Regional Tournament in 2010, but were eliminated in the semifinals by San Antonio Clark in shootouts after playing to a scoreless draw. Sharyland will look to improve their performance this year and qualify to the State Tournament.

Meanwhile, Porter saw their season end a pair of games short of the State Tournament. Last season, the Cowboys advanced to the Regional Tournament and surprised Brownsville López in the final to qualify to the State Tournament.

"We expected a game like this. We know Sharyland is strong team with a successful program," said Porter head coach José Espitia. "The first few minutes were pretty even, and I thought it was going to be a one-goal game. But when they scored we had to open up some spaces, and that’s when they took advantage. We fought hard, we had opportunities and we didn’t take advantage of them.

"Once you’re in the playoffs, each round gets harder and you can’t make mistakes," Espitia added. "You have to play a perfect game. Sharyland took advantage of the mistakes and played defense really well, and we congratulate them. I hope they represent the Valley well in the Regional Tournament in Brownsville, and I hope the Valley keeps the Regional championship here."

Coach Espitia concluded by congratulating his players, especially his seniors for their four years of dedication to the program, and he hopes that this year’s loss will motivate the young players for next season.