Denton Diablos 3-1 McKinney Chupacabras

Denton Diablos 3-1 McKinney Chupacabras

Denton Ends McKinney’s Unbeaten Run in Heated Ranger Division Matchup

McKinney Chupacabras FC’s unbeaten start to the season came to an end Monday night as Denton Diablos FC scored three second-half goals to hand the Chupacabras a 3-1 loss at Mean Green Soccer Stadium.

McKinney (6-1-1) controlled much of the opening half and created the better scoring opportunities, but Denton (6-0-2) responded after the break, turning the match around in a physical second half that ended with tensions boiling over after the final whistle.

The Chupacabras produced the first quality chance of the night in the 14th minute when forward Tucker Eason fired a shot over the crossbar.

Ten minutes later, goalkeeper Nathan Kinser kept the match scoreless with a diving save to his right, one of several stops that helped McKinney settle into the match.

The visitors nearly broke through in the 34th minute when forward Milton Lopez struck a dangerous free kick toward the top corner, but Denton goalkeeper Micah Ramirez made a spectacular save to preserve the deadlock.

McKinney found its breakthrough one minute later.

Midfielder Sam Jones delivered a corner kick into the box that found defender Ronaldo Garcia, whose header was redirected by Lopez and into the back of the net. The goal was Lopez’s team-leading fourth of the season, and gave the Chupacabras a 1-0 lead.

McKinney carried the advantage into halftime after generating the stronger chances through the opening 45 minutes.

The match changed quickly after the break.

Just two minutes into the second half, Mitchell Dryden slipped behind the McKinney back line and beat Kinser to level the match at 1-1.

Denton continued to press and took its first lead in the 55th minute when Joshua Rodriguez scored his fourth goal of the season.

Five minutes later, Carlos Diaz added a third for the Diablos, pushing the lead to 3-1 and giving Denton control of the match.

The second half was as physical as it was decisive.

Denton picked up two yellow cards after halftime, while several other hard challenges drew protests from the McKinney bench, players on the field, and supporters in the stands. Tempers flared midway through the half when a skirmish broke out between the teams, setting the tone for a heated finish.

The intensity reflected a rivalry that has continued to grow since the two clubs first met last season.

After the final whistle, tensions boiled over again as players from both benches came onto the field and exchanged words before order was restored.

The result tightened the Ranger Division standings considerably. McKinney remains atop the table, but its lead over Denton has been cut to a single point.

The Chupacabras will have little time to dwell on the defeat.

McKinney returns to action Wednesday night when it travels to face Lubbock Matadors SC. The Matadors are coming off a 2-1 loss to Denton and have dropped four of their last five matches, including a 1-0 road loss to McKinney on June 10.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Lowrey Field at PlainsCapital Park.

Words by Grayson Pitts.

Edited by Elliott Stockdale.