And so it begins....

The Laredo Heat looked a lot more polished than the Rio Grande Valley Bravos on Friday and the end result showed it as they won their first game of the season in front of 950 fans.
FAMILIAR SCENE
Felix Garcia wasted no time finding the back of the net with his first score of the season. Overall the striker looks to only get better as he shakes off the rust, which could've been part of the reason why he failed to beat the goalie on a one-on-one attempt in the second half, in which he failed to put any lift to the ball as the keeper closed out the angle. Or he could have been tired as he gets his legs back.
He did demonstrate a great feel for his surroundings as he made several perfect set-up passes to his teammates. It won't be surprising if he becomes a bit more assertive down the line and adds a handful of assists.
With the game finishing past 10:20 there was no time to get the team's reaction to the victory, but keep an eye out for quotes in the Laredo Morning Times this upcoming week.
LOOKING GOOD
While it's way too early to get a feel for the club, there is no doubt that this club promises to be a strong contender this sesson, barring injuries.
While the Heat has always been middle and back heavy, the addition of Garcia and Hector "Gota" Vallejo has helped the team's creative offensive flow get going. While I can be making this up, I believe the reason Valeljo has the nickname Gota (drop) is because of his smooth and slick dribbling abilities. As for why new player Jose Angel "Bambi" Hernandez (who also scored) is called Bambi is yet to be determined.

PAIRING UP
While Garcia manned the point solo for alot of the game, he did have company at times in newcomer Michael Abalos who has PDL experience, having played with the West Texas Sockers last season.
Abalos, though, spent most of his time opposite Vallejo. For those fans that have followed the Heat since it's inception might have felt some nostalgia seeing Vallejo and Ibarra work well together for another season.
Raul Quinones continued his usual role of running up and down the wing in an effort to jump start the counter attack or shutdown a speedy midfielder.
Greg Mulamba continues to be a physical force down the middle for the club and Daniel Galvan and Carlos Ordaz were steady contribitors.
GRASS ROOTS BEGININGS
The Heat for the first time began the season with a former local high school player and Heat youth player in Rodrigo "Roro" Avila.
Also playing in the game and from Laredo and the Heat youth teams were Daniel Garza and Jose "Wayo" Gonzalez. Garza is set to graduate from United and has signed to play with TAMIU and Wayo is an Alexander graduate.

WAITING QUITE A LONG TIME
Nobody is as eager to get back on the field after the season opener as defender Joel Perez who had to sit out the opener because of a red card handed out in the postseason last year.