Veloz hat trick carries Jackets to regional tourney

By JESSIE HORTON and MAIRA SANCHEZ

TheFlashToday.com

WICHITA FALLS (April 5, 2016) — Junior striker Aaron Veloz continues to rack up the goals in the state soccer playoffs with a hat trick to lead Stephenville past Pampa, 4-2, in a Region I-4A quarterfinal at Memorial Stadium Tuesday.

Stephenville (18-0-2) remains undefeated is on to the regional tournament for the first time in the history of its boys program. The Yellow Jackets face Life Oak Cliff at 6:30 p.m. Friday in a regional semifinal at Kennedale.

Veloz had two goals as part of a commanding 3-0 lead early in the second half, but Pampa would respond. Stephenville gave up a goal off a corner and another when keeper Noble Alexander was forced away from the goal to defend, as Pampa suddenly found its way within 3-2 with almost 25 minutes still to play.

But Veloz wasn’t done, scoring his third to re-establish a two-goal lead. Pedro Manrriquez also got back to help Alexander with a key save defensively prior to Veloz clinching the victory. A junior, Veloz now has seven goals in three playoff matches.

Brady Alford had the second goal for Stephenville, which began scoring just six minutes into the contest on a Veloz goal with assist from Brett Alford.

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Stephenville 63, Pampa 34 Reg I Div I-4A Area P/O all by RUSSELL HUFFMAN theflashtoday.com 11/24/17 Wichita Falls

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Stephenville 63, Pampa 34 Reg I Div I-4A Area P/O all by RUSSELL HUFFMAN theflashtoday.com 11/24/17 Wichita Falls

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Stephenville 63, Pampa 34 Reg I Div I-4A Area P/O all by RUSSELL HUFFMAN theflashtoday.com 11/24/17 Wichita Falls

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Stephenville 63, Pampa 34 Reg I Div I-4A Area P/O all by RUSSELL HUFFMAN theflashtoday.com 11/24/17 Wichita Falls

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Stephenville 63, Pampa 34 Reg I Div I-4A Area P/O all by RUSSELL HUFFMAN theflashtoday.com 11/24/17 Wichita Falls

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Stephenville 63, Pampa 34 Reg I Div I-4A Area P/O all by RUSSELL HUFFMAN theflashtoday.com 11/24/17 Wichita Falls

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Stephenville 63, Pampa 34 Reg I Div I-4A Area P/O all by RUSSELL HUFFMAN theflashtoday.com 11/24/17 Wichita Falls

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Stephenville 63, Pampa 34 Reg I Div I-4A Area P/O all by RUSSELL HUFFMAN theflashtoday.com 11/24/17 Wichita Falls

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Stephenville 63, Pampa 34 Reg I Div I-4A Area P/O all by RUSSELL HUFFMAN theflashtoday.com 11/24/17 Wichita Falls

TheFlashToday.com photos by JESSIE HORTON