As the fourth quarter began, anticipation is at a high with the score currently tied. St. John’s senior midfield Brooks Denile makes a quick transition down the field and breaks the tie with a strike to the goal. Coppell would not regain a lead for the remainder of the game.

On Saturday, Houston St. John’s defeated Coppell, 7-5, at Lesley Field.

“We struggled a little bit in the middle third of the field and then we gave up some transition goals that ended up costing us a little bit,” Coppell coach Matt Mueller said. “I credit their defense and their goal. They played a really good game and kept us from getting our rhythm offensively.”

The lead changed throughout the game. Initially, the Cowboys led in the first quarter but coming into halftime the score was tied at 2. Coming into the third, the Cowboys were able to break the tie with a score by senior midfield Duncan Ross however after junior midfield Mac Riser made his shot, St. John’s was on a hot streak for the rest of the game.

According to Mueller, the Cowboys changed their defensive matchups, which propelled them to a 4-2 lead in the third quarter.

While Coppell is now 1-2 on the season, Mueller sees potential in his team.

“Losing was not a result of a lack of effort,” Mueller said. “They worked really hard and everybody was doing their part. We felt really confident coming into today’s matchup and were obviously disappointed with the result but as I always tell the guys, we either win or learn. We’ll learn from this and move forward.”

The goal remains to improve and be ready for playoffs.

“I think we just need to continue to get better in all phases and hit our stride come playoffs,” Mueller said.

The Cowboys host Lovejoy at 7:30 p.m. in its final nondistrict game on Thursday. 

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