The San Antonio Corinthians are participating in their first year in the NPSL. While they are new they are anything but rookies. They came over from UPSL. Through 7 games played they are undefeated (5 wins and 2 ties) top in the Lonestar Conference. Their record has them ranked 12th out of the 95 teams. This is a team that is making noise in their first season.

Quality was on full display in their match against Fort Worth Vaqueros on June 2nd. Corinthians had smart play switching sides with long diagonal balls. Their left forward #11 had skill and speed making himself the point of attack. He dribbled into the penalty area and would either attack the goal or have a cross. Juan Enrique Peleran was a dangerous target up top. He got the first goal in 29th minute.

The Vaqueros fought hard through the first half. They left one lone forward up top to attempt some hold up play. This sole forward didn’t get much of a chance to do much with it as he chased down long balls. Vaqueros most threatening moment was on the corner in the 45th minute. Brock Barbee scored a header goal straight from the kick from Mark Withers. Halftime score was 1-1, but the Vaqueros could not hold on for the full 90 minutes.

In the second half Corinthians again showed their quality. Minute 55 Robert Diaz had a clean powerful volley off a direct free kick that wasn’t cleared by Vaqueros. The Corinthians continued to have some incredible shots on goals and the Vaqueros goalkeeper made acrobatic flying saves to block them. The final Corinthians goal was a thing of beauty. Andrick Ferrer used a spin move to get out of pressure finding open field, he dribbled up field, passed himself the ball past the defender, sped up to beat the defender, then cut the ball back to Eduardo Bonatto who took one touch then put it past the goalie to side netting. The final score 3-1.

Corinthians are an entertaining team to watch. Normally, I’m begging players to shoot, dying for goals. I love to see an attacking line with a nose for goal. I feel it’s rare any more. Not only were there shots on goal, but there was technical individual skills on display. I was half expecting a rabona to rear its head.

I can’t end this article without mentioning the Vaqueros won the jersey game. An away kit with a squid on the front and electric red on sleeves had me at hello. I can see the Protagonist staff clicking furiously to add it to their collection.