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BASTROP — The Bastrop Bears boys varsity soccer team will make its long-awaited playoff return Friday, March 21, facing Pflugerville Connally at 7:15 p.m. at Elgin High School.
This marks the Bears’ first postseason appearance in six years—a milestone head coach Gregory Vuagniaux says the team has been preparing for.
“I think the boys are excited. I really do think they’re ready for this moment,” Vuagniaux said. “They’ve prepared really well from last spring into the fall. I think they’re ready to showcase what they can do as a team.”
Pflugerville Connally is a familiar opponent, as Bastrop shared a district with the Cougars last season. Connally claimed the district title and defeated the Bears twice by a combined score of 9-2.
Vuagniaux stated that mutual knowledge will add intrigue to Friday’s clash.
“We know a lot about them, and they know a lot about us,” he said. “It’s an exciting matchup because they dominated district play last year. So, when we moved out of the district, a lot of guys knew that if we made the playoffs there was a chance we’d see them again.”
Connally’s midfield poses a strong challenge, but Vuagniaux is eager to see how his own squad measures up.
“I think both teams have strong midfields based on what we’ve seen on film from Pflugerville Connally,” he said. “I like how we match up against their backline. Their defense is strong, but I really like the way our front three are working together right now. It should be a great matchup.”
If the Bears prevail, they will advance to the area round, where they would face Randle or another opponent to be determined.
