VAQUEROS PICK UP WIN IN SHREVEPORT OFF TWO GOALS FROM MARCO ORTIZ

Vaqueros left winger Marco Ortiz bagged a pair of goals to guide Fort Worth to a 2-1 road win against the Rafters.

The NPSL Texas Conference win also served as the first leg of the rivalry derby, the Texas Trail Classic, which Shreveport claimed in 2016.

“The team performed well. It’s always hard to get a W away from home, away from our supporters,” Ortiz said. “For me to get on the score sheet is even better. It’s a testament to how hard all seventeen players who traveled today put me in good spots to finish today. I’m glad I could help the team like that.”

Ortiz opened the scoring in the 22nd minute off a brilliant team-wide build up by the Vaqueros (3-0, 9 points). Eventually, centerback Zack Stavrou crossed the ball in to Ortiz who finished with a flashy scissors kick.

The lead held into the second half before Ortiz struck again in the 55th minute, this time off an assist from Aaron Meyer.

Shreveport (0-3) pulled one back in the 67th minute on a Lucas Periera goal.

The Rafters travel to Fort Worth on June 10 for the second leg of the Texas Trail Classic and the second conference meeting between the two sides.

“It’s great to get a win on the road,” coach Nick Stavrou said. “Any win on the road is good. It wasn’t the greatest performance but a W is a W on the road.”

The Vaqueros get little time to rest before a key early season showdown on Saturday in Midland. Fort Worth sits atop the conference while Midland-Odessa FC sits also undefeated at 2-0, with both wins coming in West Texas.