Playoffs have begun. The first round of NPSL playoffs for the Lonestar Conference started July 12, 2022. The Lonestar Conference Champion is determined by a playoff, not an overall regular season record. Laredo Heat had homefield advantage as the first-place team versus Irving FC ranked fourth in the conference. Laredo is ranked 14th in the nation. This game is the first time Irving and Laredo face off against each other this season. The last time they met Irving took the three points off Laredo. At the same time this game is happening second place Brownsville FC faces off against third place San Antonio Corinthians FC.

One of the biggest challenges for both teams was the hundred plus degree heat. The announcers said it would get down to 99 by half. Obviously, with this sweltering weather, hydration breaks were taken. Clearly, the Laredo Heat are aptly named.

The first half of the game the teams were well matched. Irving got off to the attack first and maintained possession looking dangerous the first ten minutes. Laredo broke through with their chances on set pieces and a dangerous through ball late in the half. Both teams remained scoreless at the half.

In the second half, Laredo tried to penetrate the penalty area, but one touch too many as they had it taken away before being able to complete the buildup. Laredo began putting pressure on the back line of the Irving defense trying to force a mistake. Laredo was focused on getting numbers behind the ball on defense, stifling Irving’s attack. Laredo started the quick press on the transition catching defenders in one-on-one situations.

Irving had their chances, but the Laredo keeper, Connor Durant, was secure. Durant made some solid saves from distance and in traffic, plucking high shots and crosses like they were nothing.

In the 89th minute Laredo had a free kick deep in Irving territory. The shot went to the keeper who had the near post covered. This would have sealed the game, but instead it remained scoreless and went into overtime.

In the first 15-minute overtime Irving’s fresh leg subs made an immediate impact. Irving’s possession was dangerous in the attacking third even resulting in a hard shot on goal.

A third save from @durantconnor seals it! The Heat win 3-1 on penalty kicks and will host @SACorinthiansFC Saturday for the Lone Star Conference championship!#vamoslaredo @NPSLSoccer pic.twitter.com/NvCaJL4L2w
— Laredo Heat SC (@LaredoHeatSC) July 13, 2022

In the second 15-minute overtime neither team was able to break down a compact defense. Neither team could penetrate into the penalty area, both reverted to crosses and long-range shots. The tight defense means numbers weren’t always sent into the attack. It wasn’t clear if this was fatigue from 120 minutes and the heat or being conservative to prevent scoring chances by the other team. The result was still a 0-0 draw at the end of the second overtime.

The teams went into penalty kicks to determine who would be facing the Corinthians in the Lonestar Conference final on July 16th. Laredo kicked first. Laredo started the scoring with the first kick. Durant blocked Irving’s first shot. He then went on to block two more. Laredo won 3-1 in kicks. Durant kept the team in the match and secured the victory.

- Danielle Gawronski