Mariano “Man of the Match” in debut with Houston Hurricanes
Belize national team player Evan Mariano, who signed a contract on June 5 with the Houston Hurricanes Football Club of the Texas Premier Soccer League (TPSL), flew out to Texas over the weekend in time to play his first game in a Houston Hurricanes uniform.
The Hurricanes had visited Belize to play a friendly match against national champions Belmopan Bandits back on April 12 of this year, which the Bandits won, 4-2.
The TPSL is a local professional league inside the state of Texas, as opposed to the NASL (North American Soccer League), in which Belize’s Deon McCaulay is presently playing with the Atlanta Silverbacks FC, and the MLS (Major League Soccer), which both feature teams from different states in the U.S.
Below is a report appearing on the Facebook page of the Houston Hurricanes FC:
Houston Hurricanes FC, Sat. June 14, 2014
The Houston Hurricanes traveled to Galveston Island today for the Bay Area Cup. The Canes had Evan Mariano making his debut and it was the Belize player who caused Pirates defense problems from the off with his speed and close ball control. The break through came in the 26th minute when Wilson put a cross in the 6 yard box; Mariano met it with a strong header, only for the Pirate defender to handle the ball. The ball crossed the line and should have been a debut goal and dream start for the Belizean, but the ref was too quick on the whistle and gave a Penalty. Wilson scored the resulting kick to give the Canes the 1-0 lead.
The game was going back and forward with both teams creating good chances with the Canes having the better of them. Halftime, 1-0 Canes.
Second half, Mariano made it clear he wanted a debut goal, and he didn’t have to wait long. With a sweet build up from back to middle, and a quick one-two with Rabaga to Mariano, the Belize player was in with a nice first touch to kill the ball. He calmly stroked the ball home to beat the keeper from just inside the box to the bottom corner.
The game was all Hurricanes, and they added a third in the 65th minute, when this time Mariano was giving the pass to Rebago, who calmly used the inside of the foot into the bottom right corner.
After the game, Coach Keyes said the most pleasing thing was to see Rebaga and Mariano link up so well; they played really well together. The guys did well and got the job done; it was a good day at the office. Man of the Match Evan Mariano for two assists and one goal on his debut. Great start, and we hope more to come from our new player. Notable mention Oshane at right back.
Final score Pirates – 0 Hurricanes – 3, Bay Area Champions TPSL.