By RGVFútbol/Staff

EDINBURG, 2 Feb. - A win in penalty kicks is as good as any victory, especially when it comes against the defending state champion Sharyland Rattlers.

Edinburg Economedes got pay back for last season’s playoff elimination against Sharyland when the Jags defeated the Rattlers 5-3 in penalty kicks Tuesday, Jan. 29 in the third round of District 30-5A play before a good crowd during Economedes’ Parents Appreciation Night.

"It was a tough game," said Economedes head coach Sam González. "I’m proud of the guys, they did a good job."

Both teams played to a scoreless draw in regulation time to obligate the game to be decided in the best-of-five series of penalty kicks, a rule change from the previous seasons’ shootouts.

"They have a good team," said Sharyland head coach Reveriano Hernández. "It was a tight game. That’s why we play against each other twice."

One of the key players to keep the game scoreless was Economedes defender Irving Retiz. He saved the Jags time and again on several dangerous plays by the Rattlers’ attack. Retiz cleared the ball out of Economedes’ side of the field countless times and kept his team out of harm’s way, and preserved the scoreless tie.

"I thought we played well, but we could’ve played better," said Retiz. "For being the state champs, I think we did well. The wind wasn’t a factor, it wasn’t a problem for us. District is going to be really tough with the state champs, Donna, and all the La Joya teams, I think it’s going to be pretty tough, but I think we have a good chance of making it to the playoffs."

In regulation and PKs, Jaguar goalkeeper Carlos Torres held off the Sharyland attackers and penalty kick experts to help lead Economedes to a 5-3 PK win.

"It was a close game and I was nervous when the game started," said Torres. "I wanted the rematch against them and I got the chance, and the team came out ahead with the win."

"We wanted to win here at home since they are going to be one of the toughest teams we face this season," he added. "Having our parents here motivated us to win the game."

At the time of publication, Economedes defeated La Joya 4-3 in PKs after playing to a 1-1 draw on Feb. 1.

Retiz and Torres lead a defense that has allowed only one goal in four district matches.

"We just try our best," concluded Retiz. "The offense scores the goals and we keep them from scoring on us, and that’s when people notice us."

In the girls game on Jan. 29, Sharyland came from behind to defeat the Lady Jaguars 2-1. Clowyie Flores scored the game-winning goal with six minutes left to play in the match.