Game Recap: Heat Lose First Game of 2025 Regular Season in Corpus Christi

The 2024 Division Champion Played Well at Home Versus Laredo

Sunday, June 22, 2025 (Laredo, TX): The Laredo Heat SC dropped points for the first time this season with a 4-1 loss Saturday on the road against reigning Lone Star Division champion Corpus Christi FC.

Saturday’s score is a role reversal from the first meeting when the Heat beat Corpus Christi 4-1 at home. That was part of eight straight victories to start the season.

Despite the loss, the Heat (8-1-0, 24 points) are still firmly in control of first place in the division. Corpus Christi (4-3-1, 13 points) kept its narrow hopes of defending its title alive, but it needs to win out and get help. There are three other teams in the title hunt led by the AHFC Royals (5-2-1, 16 points) followed by Lonestar SC (4-3-0, 12 points) and the Twin City Toucans.

By the time the Heat return to action, the match could have the division title and a playoff spot up for grabs. AHFC plays Lonestar on Sunday and faces GFI (2-2-2, 8 points) on Wednesday. If it draws or loses in either match, then Laredo can lock up the title when it hosts Twin City on July 3. Regardless of other results, the Heat remain in control of their destiny.

In Saturday’s loss, Alexander Romero put Corpus Christi ahead in the 30th minute, and that lead lasted into the break. When Ignacio Abeal scored in the 50th minute to make it 2-0, it marked the first time all season the Heat allowed multiple goals.

Laredo native and Alexander graduate Gael Gallegos got the Heat back within striking distance with a goal in the 69th minute, his second of the season. But Romero and Abeal both scored again in the final five minutes of regulation to put the game away.

Corpus Christi racked up four goals after being held to three combined goals in its previous four matches. The total nearly matched the five goals Laredo held opponents to through the first eight games.

On the other side, the Heat were held without multiple goals for the first time all season.

Laredo will look to bounce back July 3 hosting Twin City at 7:45 p.m. at PEG Energy Stadium. Prior to that match, the Heat will host a friendly match against Cruz Azul’s U21 squad on Saturday, June 28.

For tickets, visit laredoheatsc.thundertix.com/events, and for additional information, visit team.laredoheatsc.com.

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