Heat squeezes out win over Monterrey



The Laredo Heat kicked off the 2006 Premier Development League season with a gritty 1-0 exhibition victory over the Tigres de Monterrey special reserves in front of a enthusiastic 1,623 fans at United Independent School District's Student Activity Complex.

The game started out slow, but picked up intensity after Laredo notched its first goal of the season in the 39th minute. From then on, and especially in the second half, the game became more physical, culminating with a non-serious injury to midfielder Danny Galvan.

Despite the tough play head coach Israel Collazo was content with the slim outcome and with the play of his players.

"Tonight's victory leaves me with a tranquil feeling," Collazo said. "We did some things that were good and this will only help us get ready for our first game against Austin (April 29 in Laredo)."

The Heat's victory came against a Tigres' team of reserve players, but as Collazo puts it, "They are still professionals." The game was also a measuring stick for the Heat and a confidence boast as well according to Collazo.

"When a Professional Mexican League team of reserves comes to play, they are still professionals," he said. "They are seasoned veterans and when we can play a team like the Tigres, it not only gives us confidence, but the guys feel that they can compete with anyone on the field."

The Heat showed little intimidation against the Tigres taking 13 shots on goal in the first half, while limiting Monterrey to only five first half shots. With the rough second-half play, both teams shots went down with Laredo taking only seven shots at goal and Monterrey only three.

The Heat scored their first goal of the season on a thrilling goal by Galvan who took a pass from Ryan Harrison 40 yards in, then dribbled the ball another 30 yards before sending a hard shot past Tigres' goalie Roman Lozano left side for the score.

It was all the offense the Heat would need, who also fed off the over 1,500 in attendance.

"I loved that there was a blanket of red in the stands and that lots of people came out for the game," Collazo said. "I wish more would have came, but this was one of the best crowds I've seen." "And like they say, a team without fans is nothing...so we hope that the fans will continue to support us," he added.