(Left to right) Student-athletes who are currently enrolled at UTB/TSC Rogelio Perez, Edgar Gracia, Filiberto Cortinas, and Jorge Briones smile as they sign letters of intent for Coach Dan Balaguero (standing).

UTB/TSC Men’s Soccer Program Signs Four Players   

Posted March 28, 2007
Four men's soccer players have signed letters of intent to play for the Scorpions starting the fall of 2007.

 

The players signed are current UTB/TSC students Jorge Briones, Filiberto Cortinas and Rogelio Perez, all graduates of Porter High School; and Edgar Gracia, a graduate of Lopez High School. 

 

“I’m thrilled to sign these four student-athletes,” UTB/TSC Head Men’s Soccer Coach Dan Balaguero said.  “They are all from winning programs, which will be essential.  I expect all four of them to be pushing for a starting spot right away.”

 

The men’s soccer team begins play Thursday, August 23, 2007 against the Instituto Tecnologico Superiores de Poza Rica Petroleros. 

 

For more information, contact the Athletics Department at 956-882-8911.

 

Jorge Briones

A 2006 graduate of Porter High, Briones was a big part of Porter's Class 5A state championship.  He was also named the Most Valuable Player of the state tournament.

 

“Jorge is a top quality player,” Balaguero said.  “He has great technique and has the rare ability to change the game.  He can play as an attacking-minded midfielder or as a striker. He has great passing range and the ability to beat defenders on the dribble.”

 

"I wanted to stay here and play," Briones said. "When I heard about the soccer program, I decided to enroll here. I've been playing soccer since I was six. I won a state championship and now I would like to win a national championship."

 

Filiberto Cortinas

Cortinas is a 2004 Porter graduate. He played one year at Graceland *Iowa) College and another at Texas College before returning to UTB/TSC.

 

“Filiberto is a great central midfielder and has great passing range,” Balaguero said. “He loves to pick the ball up from defenders and keep the ball moving.  He also has the ability to hit long range passes and score from long range.”

 

“Its feels great to be able play for this new team,” Cortinas said. “I feel very happy that I’ll be able to play and stay at home.”

 

Edgar "Puppet" Gracia

Gracia is a 2005 graduate of Lopez High School, and a member of the 2004 Class 4A state championship. Gracia attended UTB/TSC in 2005-06 and played at Texas College in fall 2006, earning second-team All-Red River Athletic Conference selection in 2006.

 

“Puppet is a great man marker and is a very difficult player to beat,” Balaguero said.  He has a good pace with the ball and good defensive instincts. He is very comfortable with the ball at his feet and has the ability to play all across the back (of the field).”

"I wanted to represent Brownsville. When I found out we were having a team, it was an easy decision to make," Gracia said. "Now my parents and all my friends can watch me play."

 

Rogelio Perez

Perez is a 2006 Porter graduate who was also part of the state championship team.

 

“Chino is the kind of player every successful team needs,” Balaguero said.  “He has a great work ethic and can operate anywhere in the back or midfield.  He is very quick with and without the ball.  He has a winning mentality, which will prove vital for us.”

 

“I am excited about this team and the upcoming season,”
Perez said.  “I am starting my second semester here and am excited about the opportunity to play soccer.”