Entering the 2019 playoffs, Melbin Barahona saw the challenge standing in the way of his team – the No. 1-seed The Woodlands out of District 15-6A.
His fourth-seeded Aldine squad was looking to make it back-to-back trips to the area round but would have to upset a state power to do it.
A 1-0 victory secured that upset and started an improbable run in the 2019 playoffs for the Mustangs.
"First, I was happy we made it through the first playoff game," Barahona said. "I could not believe it. I even talked to my wife about it. I was not expecting them to make it after the first round. It was amazing for me to go through this with these guys."
Barahona, who is in his sixth year at Aldine and 10th overall in the district, watched as his team rallied and reached the Regional Finals for the first time since 2015.
Aldine rolled through the likes of Cypress Lakes, Langham Creek and Sachse. In the Region II-6A Final, Aldine fell short to College Park to end its season.
This was the second time one of Barahona's teams has reached this round at Aldine and this one had that special factor.
"It was great with that team, but this team had something else," Barahona said. "They had that 'Cinderella' feeling. That's how everything went and they just started playing better and better."
Look who made the cover!!! @AHSLadiesFutbol Coach Kuehl and @gunghomustangs Boys Soccer Coach Barahoana! We are so proud of the work and accomplishments achieved this year! #AldineProudMustangStrong @AldineISD @AldineAthletics @AldineSports @MrStewart_AHS https://t.co/4KW34vh38A
— Aldine Senior (@AldineSenior) May 15, 2019
