[file photo] Bruno Gallegos, 12, dribbles the ball in a game versus Burleson Centennial during the 2019 season.

Both varsity soccer teams will travel to Austin to participate in the University of Texas’ 2020 Longhorn Challenge from Jan. 16 to Jan 18. Each team will play one full game every day of the tournament.

The boys’ varsity started the season with a 5-2-1 record in pre-district play with wins against South Grand Prairie, Birdville, Waxahachie, Red Oak and Dallas Kimball. They lost to North Crowley 0-1 in the Timberview Tournament and Arlington in a scrimmage 2-4. Sophomore Josh Omorodion, a first-year varsity player, looks forward to the tournament and future.

“We’ve had challenges from some good teams so far,” Omorodion said. “We have been performing at a high level and  have held our own.”

In Austin, the team will play Hutto High School on Jan. 16. The Hippos currently maintain a 0-2-1 record. On Friday, the Broncos take on the Cedar Park Timberwolves, who hold a 2-4 record. On the final day of the tournament, the team will face the Weiss Wolves with a 1-4 record. 

“I’ve never heard of [the teams] before,” Omorodion said. “But I think they’ll be a good last test for us before district.” 

[Tournament Schedule]

The girls’ varsity team holds a 3-1-1 record for the season so far. They participated in the Highland Park Tournament where they tied Rockwall, beat Plano East and lost to Cedar Park. The team beat Sam Houston 9-0 and Red Oak 1-0. Junior Victoria Turner, a transfer from Arlington Martin, looks forward to getting closer to her teammates during the trip.

“The season has been a learning experience for everyone so far,” Turner said. “Getting away from everything and only being with my team will definitely help us grow as family and teammates.”

Upon arrival in Austin, the girls will play Monterey High School from Lubbock. The Plainsmen are 2-4-2 going into the tournament. On Jan. 17, the Broncos will face the Bastrop Bears, who hold a 5-2 record in pre-district play. On the third and final day of the tournament, the girls will play the Manvel Mavericks who are undefeated with a 3-0-3 record. 

“We haven’t fully molded as a team yet,” Turner said. “[The tournament] will expose us to different styles of play from teams all around Texas.”