Coming off its first big win of the season, 3-1, against Plano West, the Coppell boys soccer team plays Flower Mound Marcus at Buddy Echols Field tonight, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m.

“We’re excited and pumped, and we need this win,” Coppell senior goalkeeper Arath Valdez said. “We’re hoping for the playoffs so we’re going to give it our all tonight.”

Tonight’s matchup is crucial for the Cowboys (1-4-4 in District 6-6A), who are currently tied for seventh with Hebron, to qualify for the playoffs.

“There’s no nervousness, we’re just calm,” Valdez said. “It’s the calm before the storm.”

Coppell’s last matchup against Marcus on Feb. 1 ended 2-2, with the Cowboys down 2-0 at halftime and returning to put up several shots in the second half.

“That game taught us to not back down,” Valdez said. “We’re excited for tonight after working on shooting, which held us back last time. We’re ready for a win.”

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