BROWNSVILLE, Texas — 51ÁÔĆć men’s soccer head coach Mario Zamora and women’s soccer head coach Jesus Villarreal are actively recruiting across the Rio Grande Valley as they prepare to reload their rosters for the 2026 season.
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As part of their efforts, both coaches visited Lopez Early College High School, where three Lobo soccer players—two boys and one girl—signed letters of intent to continue their soccer careers at TSC.
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Lopez ECHS defender Esteban Juarez and midfielder Erik Coronado will join Zamora’s squad.
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“It’s always exciting to come here to Lopez,” Zamora said. “They always have good players and athletes. Coach Amadeo Escandon and Coach Ramon Zuniga have been doing a tremendous job with their program over the years. We’ve already had success with a couple of Lopez Lobos players at TSC, so we’ll continue to keep an eye on the Lobos.”
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Juarez was a captain at Lopez ECHS who distinguished himself through strong leadership skills. He is versatile on the field, capable of playing both right back and center back.
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“I feel happy and excited to play at the next level at TSC, Juarez said. “Thank you for giving me the opportunity. Ready to give it my all for TSC.”
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Coronado, a defensive midfielder, is looking forward to joining TSC for the athletic and academic opportunities it offers.
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“In terms of soccer, there are a lot of good things that will come, but I also like the welding program. It’s a career path I would like to follow,” Coronado said.
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TSC’s women’s team strengthened its back line by adding defender Nataly Palomino. She’s a versatile option for the defense, able to play across the entire back four as a center back, right back, or left back.
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“I think it’s very exciting, due to my senior year having an injury and ending the year short,” Palomino said. “I think it’s a good accomplishment to play once again.”
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Coach Villarreal said strengthening his back line was his top priority for the upcoming season.
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“At this level, we need the best of the best,” Villarreal said. “She’s one of the best of the best here in Brownsville and the Rio Grande Valley. Her leadership skills, when you see her play, that’s one of the things that comes out the most.”
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The TSC men’s and women’s soccer teams will kick off their 2026 seasons in August.
