GEORGETOWN — Mansfield’s first trip to the boys state soccer tournament ended quickly, but the Tigers fought gamely in a 3-1 loss to Mission Sharyland.Sharyland’s defense utilized exceptional midfield ball control and clogged the passing lanes to effectively disrupt Mansfield’s offense.
Sharyland’s Jesus Olivares scored two goals, and Daniel Garcia had a goal and an assist as the Rattlers improved to 16-3.
Mansfield (21-5-4) fell behind, 2-0, before scoring on a header by Matthew Buckwalter.
Mansfield forward Tanner Tate picked up a pair of yellow cards and was ejected with less than seven minutes left in the contest.
Garcia scored the first goal on a 30-yard shot. Minutes later the Rattlers were up 2-0 when Olivares tapped in a rebound from a deflected shot by Garcia.
Buckwalter’s header gave Mansfield hope. But Garcia’s second score minutes later sealed the outcome.