McKinney Chupacabras 1-0 Fort Worth Vaqueros

McKinney Chupacabras 1-0 Fort Worth Vaqueros

Beason Lifts McKinney to Unbeaten Start

McKinney Chupacabras FC remained undefeated Saturday night, earning a 1-0 victory at home over Fort Worth Vaqueros FC.

The win moved McKinney to 3-0 on the season and to the top of the Ranger Division table after Lubbock Matadors SC and West Texas FC played to a 3-3 draw.

Forward Brayden Beason scored the lone goal of the match in the 54th minute off a corner kick. The Real Salt Lake draft pick recorded his first of the season after generating several chances throughout the night.

Beason was involved in several early scoring opportunities. In the ninth minute, he found midfielder Sam Jones for a shot on goal, but Fort Worth goalkeeper Andrew Bremer denied the attempt. The Keller native then created chances of his own in the 19th and 39th minutes.

Bremer was tested throughout the opening half and came up with several strong stops to keep the match scoreless.

McKinney goalkeeper Nathan Kinser answered with a key save of his own in the 19th minute, denying a breakaway opportunity for the visitors. Kinser earned his first clean sheet as a Chupacabra with a strong performance in goal.

The home side continued to create chances but struggled to find the finishing touch.

The breakthrough finally arrived nearly 10 minutes into the second half. Following a corner kick, Bremer got a hand on the initial ball but could not clear it away. The rebound fell directly to Beason, who finished into an open net for a poacher’s goal and a 1-0 lead.

McKinney continued pressing for an insurance goal as the second half wore on, but Bremer repeatedly kept the visitors within striking distance.

Kinser remained sharp when called upon, preserving the lead before Fort Worth was forced to play temporarily a man down in the 84th minute due to injury. McKinney took advantage, dominating the remainder of the match.

The Chupacabras nearly doubled their advantage moments later. Forward Keane Cobuzio was denied by another Bremer save in the 86th minute before midfielder Jordan Jones had a goal-scoring opportunity wiped away after being ruled offside.

Forward Tucker Eason came inches away from adding the team’s second goal in the 88th minute when his curling effort beat Bremer but struck the right post.

Late disciplinary issues reduced the hosts to 10 men after Cobuzio was shown a red card, while Eason was booked for delaying the game.

Despite the narrow margin, McKinney controlled much of the match and held on for its third consecutive victory to open the season.

The Chupacabras now have a week off before traveling to face Denton Diablos FC on June 6.

Words by Grayson Pitts.

Edited by Elliott Stockdale.