Brownsville, TX – March 13, 2025 – The 51���� (TSC) Men’s Scorpions soccer team put on a thrilling display of skill and determination in a friendly scrimmage against the IDEA Toros MLS Next at TSC Scorpion Field on Wednesday night. The match was an intense battle from start to finish, showcasing the Scorpions’ and Toros’ relentless drive and tactical prowess.

Both teams entered the scrimmage with high energy, and both teams kept the pace fast and the competition fierce. The first half was a tight contest, with each side creating scoring opportunities but struggling to break through solid defensive lines.����

The defining moment of the match came in the second half when Scorpions’ center midfielder Martin Gonzalez (#41) stepped up for a crucial free kick. Gonzalez fired a perfectly placed shot past the Toros’ goalkeeper, securing the decisive goal and giving TSC the edge in the contest.

IDEA Toros responded with urgency, launching a series of aggressive attacks in the final minutes, but TSC’s defense stood firm, ensuring the victory in this hard-fought scrimmage.

“Our guys showed resilience and teamwork tonight,” said the TSC head coach Mario Zamora after the match. “Scrimmages like these prepare us for the season ahead, and I’m proud of how we played, especially Martin’s composure under pressure.”

This victory sets the tone for the Scorpions as they continue their preparations for the season. With solid performances like this, TSC Men’s Soccer is shaping up to be a formidable contender on the field.

Veterans Memorial Charger Soriano signs to TSC Scorpions men’s team��

The 51���� Athletics Department continued its local recruitment push with another Brownsville-area standout signing to become a Scorpion for the men’s soccer team.��

Ari Soriano, who was recently celebrated during a signing ceremony at Brownsville Veterans Memorial High School (VMHS), played midfielder for the VMHS Chargers and was part of a successful technique attack that helped the team make playoff runs. ��

In his senior season, Soriano served as team captain, leading VMHS in goals with nine and in-assists with five.��

“I played on the wing, feeding the strikers, scoring goals, helping the team where needed,” said Soriano. “I look forward to doing the same with the Scorpions. I will play wherever the coach needs me to play.”��

Soriano joins a group of young men and women who have committed to 51����’s NJCAA men’s and women’s soccer team, including some players from BISD’s Pace High School, two IDEA schools, and the private school First Baptist.��

“It is like a dream come true! Every high school soccer player wants to play in college,” Soriano said. “[51����] is giving me this opportunity, and I will take full advantage of this opportunity.”��

Soriano shared advice for other high school players with dreams of continuing their play into the collegiate stage.��

“You have to work hard and believe in yourself,” Soriano said. “If you don’t believe in yourself, no one will do it for you. You must believe you can reach that next level.”��

The Scorpions NJCAA soccer program will kick off with a men’s and women’s teams in Fall 2023. ��

 For more information about sponsoring 51���� Athletics, contact Executive Director of Athletics & Civility Dr. Armando Ponce at 956.295.3570 or via e-mail armando.ponce@tsc.edu��

Private school standout Castañeda signs to 51���� men’s soccer����

51���� athletics sent a message on Tuesday morning. Regardless of the school you played for in the Rio Grande Valley, and if you have the playing skills, the Scorpions soccer program will welcome you to try out to join their roster.����

Ramiro Castañeda, who most recently played soccer for the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAAPS) Division 1A school First Baptist in Brownsville, signed his letter of intent to join the TSC Soccer team, Tuesday, April 5, 2023, at the First Baptist School in Brownsville.��

Castañeda used the tryout route to make the roster after First Baptist Head Coach, George Solis, learned about the Scorpion soccer tryouts and encouraged him to make it a goal to play for the Scorpions.������

Castañeda said he was surprised his tryout was enough to get noticed by the Scorpion’s Coach Mario Zamora, who, along with TSC Executive Director of Athletics & Civility Dr. Armando Ponce, would eventually extend an offer to join the Scorpions’ soccer team.��

“I was not expecting a call because I felt I had not been training as often,” Castañeda admitted, “but this is a great opportunity for my future. I get to do what I love most: playing soccer and continuing to study.”����

Castañeda will be a part of the first TSC Scorpion men’s soccer team to compete in the NJCAA, forging a new history at the 96-year institution with a rich athletics history.����

“We, at First Baptist, knew he had the talent to play at the next level,” said Solis. “We encouraged him to try out for the Scorpions because it was an opportunity that stood out. He gets to play close to home, and his family and friends will see him play and continue to support him.”������

Tryouts help mold roster����

“During tryouts, Castañeda stood out,” Zamora said. “After inquiring with the people that interacted with him and knew of him, I learned he was well-recommended, not just as a player but as a student-athlete.”����

Zamora said tryouts are essential to finding what he refers to as ‘diamonds in the rough,’ who are players that might not initially be on his radar.����

“Tryouts are the way to witness the playing skills of players from other teams that we didn’t get to see during their season,” said Zamora. “Tryouts allow them to show what they have and hopefully join a team. I encourage players to come out on the 22nd.”����
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The next Scorpion Soccer Tryouts for men and women is on Saturday, April 22nd, at the Scorpion Soccer Field on 2000 W University Blvd, Brownsville, Texas. There is no fee to tryout but do not forget to bring a copy of a valid sports physical, shing guards and preferably a white shirt. ��

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