For the third time this season, the Odessa High boys soccer team managed to win a penalty shootout.
This time, it was against rivals Permian.
The Bronchos defeated the Panthers 5-4 in the shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation Friday night at Ratliff Stadium.
With the win, Odessa High moved to 7-8-4 overall and 1-2-3-3-0 in District 2-6A play.
“The boys are 3-0 in PKs so they have skill,” Odessa High head coach Eliseo Ortiz said. “Our goalkeeper does a good job in penalty kicks for sure.”
Odessa High goalkeeper Rudy Ramos played a crucial role for the Bronchos, saving numerous shots throughout the game as Odessa High managed to avenge their previous result against Permian which was a 1-0 loss to the Panthers back on Feb. 2.
Odessa High’s Rodrigo Urgell’s goal in the shootout clinched the victory for the Bronchos.
For the Panthers (11-5-3, 3-0-3-0-3), it was their third penalty shootout loss in district play.
“It’s frustrating losing the third one,” Permian head coach Luis Carmona said. “It’s a big mental picture not wanting to get to the shootout but we practice these quite a bit at practice. We have full faith in our keepers. We just have to capitalize. It is what it is.”
Permian also lost to Midland High in a penalty shootout loss last Friday at Astound Broadband Stadium.
Both teams came out attacking strong but couldn’t find the back of the net for the majority of the first half.
Numerous goals were called back due to being offsides.
Odessa High struck first in the form of a goal by Jorge Lozano with 7:11 remaining in the first half to give the Bronchos a 1-0 lead.
Permian had a chance in the form of a free kick that was denied as Odessa High goalkeeper Rudy Ramos made the save late in the first half and Odessa High led by a goal at intermission.
The Panthers began the second half by creating a number of scoring opportunities but coming up short.
Odessa High’s defending proved to be too difficult to breakthrough at times as the Bronchos held firm.
Permian’s Marcus Aguirre managed to tie the game with his goal with 15:07 remaining in regulation.
The Panthers had a few more scoring opportunities before the penalty shootout but couldn’t get the game-winning goal.
“It’s always to win a rivalry game and win it in any way possible, whether it’s in regulation or a penalty shootout,” Ortiz said.
Odessa High will next face San Angelo Central at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on the road.
Permian will face Midland Legacy at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Ratliff Stadium.
