It’s easy to spot Vasco Tavares.

The Laredo Heat SC defender stands at 6-foot-6 and is almost always the tallest player on the field.

Even though it’s hard for him to hide, the Portugal native was still able to sneak in front of the net for a header in the second half on a perfect pass from Dereck Espinal. It’s not often a defensive player gets to score a goal, but the feeling never gets old for Tavares.

“It always feels good,” Tavares said. “As a defender, you don’t always get to score. We don’t have many chances, so we’ve got to take advantage of the ones we have. It was a great assist by Dereck (Espinal), so I’m happy that I was able to help the team get a win.”

Tavares’ header was sandwiched between goals by Brandon Martinez and Espinal to give the Heat a 3-0 win over AC Houston Sur. The Heat are 4-0-1 and in first place in the Lone Star Division with 13 points, while AC Houston Sur stays in last place at 0-3-1 with one point.

It was a dominating win, too. The Heat maintained consistent control of possession throughout the victory. AC Houston Sur’s first real possession didn’t come until the 31st minute.

“We knew about their game plan: waiting for a counterattack,” Heat coach Johnny Ibarra said. “We told the guys we had to be patient and play our game.”

Playing their game meant plenty of opportunities for the Heat, who couldn’t capitalize early. Strong shots on goal were saved, and missed passes led to the Heat being up just 1-0 at halftime. Martinez netted a header in the 24th minute on a beautiful lob pass from Kai Tamashiro.

The Heat again came close to blowing the game open, but it wasn’t until Tavares’ header that their constant pressure started to weigh on AC Houston Sur.

Espinal sent a missile of a cross to the front of the net. Tavares avoided the defender to connect on the quick exchange. The goal put Laredo up 2-0 and sent the crowd at PEG Energy Stadium into a frenzy.

“This atmosphere is like something I’ve never experienced before,” Tavares said. “I just want to thank all the fans who come here to watch every single time.”

Espinal capped the 3-0 win with a goal in the 92nd minute.

The win marked the first of three straight home games for the Heat. They also host Lonestar SC on June 9 and Twin City on June 17.

“We know our mentality and our goals. We’re here for a reason,” Ibarra said. “Our goal is to win the national championship, but we have to go one game at a time. We have a lot of quality players. Whoever is playing is ready to make a difference.”