Jesuit Dallas secured a third-place finish in the 38th Annual Jesuit-Meintser Soccer Invitational Tournament with an impressive, 3-1 victory on Saturday at Postell Stadium. Paced by goals from juniors Stratton Ross, Diego Sierra and sophomore Henry Gilker, the Rangers secured their first victory of the 2019 season with a resounding team effort.
 
Sierra launched a shot on goal 16 seconds into the first half, opening a stellar first half whish saw Jesuit take six shots, including five on goal. A foul by Nolan in the eighth minute set the stage for Jesuit's first tally of the contest as junior Dakota Schau launched a free kick into the penalty area. Senior Kazuma Hirota deflected the free kick towards the Nolan goalkeeper, who allowed a rebound which landed at the feet of Gilker for an easy, tap-in goal. Hirota came inches away from his first goal of the season in the 10th minute on a header.
 
The Rangers began to regain momentum late in the half before striking again in the 31st minute. Moving downfield with open space, Ross passed the ball to Sierra roughly 25 yards away from the goal. Sierra split two defends, found open space and ripped a shot into the left side of the net to send Jesuit into halftime with a 2-0 lead. Senior Connor Tullis kept the Vikings in check during the opening stanza, making two saves during 35 minutes in goal.
 
Junior Geoff Miller took over as goalkeeper in the second half, making one save for the Rangers. Ross collected a set piece pass in the 49th minute and blasted a deep shot for Jesuit's third goal of the contest. Nolan scored with 11 minutes remaining in regulation, but the Rangers were able to close the door on the Vikings to secure third-place in their home tournament.
 
Jesuit will return to action on Jan. 18 as the Blue and Gold will welcome Sachse, who won the Meintser Tournament Consolation Championship in penalty kicks against North Mesquite, will return to Postell Stadium for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff next Friday.