Saturday, May 31, 2025 (Laredo, TX): It’s a battle for first place on Saturday at PEG Energy Stadium as the Laredo Heat SC hosts defending Lone Star Division champion Corpus Christi FC in a crucial matchup a third of the way into the USL League 2 season.

The Heat (3-0-0, 9 points) and Corpus Christi (2-0-0, 6 points) are the only teams remaining in the division with unblemished records. The AHFC Royals (2-0-1, 7 points) and Houston FC (2-0-1, 7 points) lurk close behind as a 1-1 draw between them is the only time either team dropped points.

Saturday will also be a battle of the well-rested vs. the well-tested.

Laredo is coming off a successful road trip and will be playing for the third time in eight days. The Heat came from behind to win 2-1 last Saturday against Lonestar in Round Rock, and they pulled away in the second half for a 3-1 win in a rematch with the Hill Country Lobos.

Corpus Christi enters the match on a week of rest as it has only played twice this season with a pair of home games. Last Saturday, it won 3-1 against AC Houston Sur. In the season opener on May 17, it beat Lonestar 1-0.

The first match was nearly a draw, but Alvaro Abeal scored just before the final whistle in the 94th minute for a 1-0 victory. The second game was more decisive as a brace from Ignacio Abeal and a goal from Sofian Maghouz built a 3-0 lead by the 60th minute.

The Heat have featured a dynamic and balanced scoring attack early this season with nine goals from seven players. Volkan Celikkol and Ismael Mane have scored twice each, and Laredo also has goals from Elie Bokota, Gael Gallegos, Adam Knutson, Kai Louviere and Martin Piedeleu.

Laredo’s defense has been equally consistent, allowing only one goal in each of its three matches. Marc Bonnaire has allowed only two goals in three complete matches, as one of the scores was an own goal on an errant pass toward the net.

Saturday’s match begins at 8 p.m. at PEG Energy Stadium located at 5401 Bob Bullock Loop. For tickets, visit laredoheatsc.thundertix.com/events, and for additional information, visit team.laredoheatsc.com.

At halftime of Saturday’s match, the Heat will honor their U19 Women’s Team for its accomplishment of taking second place at the 2025 South Texas Youth Soccer Association Spring Presidents Cup. There will also be a mascot race, and one fan will win free solar panels for their house courtesy of PEG Energy. Fans can sign up for the contest by visiting the PEG Energy booth.

To stream matches for free this season using SportsEngine Play, visit sportsengineplay.com or download the app.

Visit laredoheatsc.thundertix.com/events242789 to purchase tickets. For more information, visit team.laredoheatsc.com.