New Orleans Jesuit’s Steven Cabos and Joe Hart were named the Offensive and Defensive MVP’s of the 16th High School Soccer Classic, with seven local players being named to the All-Tournament team that was released on Thursday morning.
Sickles was the only team outside of finalists New Orleans Jesuit and Melbourne to have more than one player named to the team, with midfielder Mike Bajza and defender Gil Davis representing the Gryphons.
Gaither’s Jordan See and Tampa Jesuit’s Austin Jurado were the other two players named from Hillsborough county schools.
Countryside’s Jagger Martinez, whose versatility was critical to the Cougars' run to the semifinals, and Palm Harbor’s Ben Sweat, who scored three goals in three games before the Hurricanes were eliminated in the quarterfinals, were also named to the team.
Land O’ Lakes was also represented, Jake Frahm being recognized for his strong play in midfield, and superb goal against Orlando Bishop Moore in the quarterfinals.
The full team is listed below:
MVP Offense – Steven Cabos – New Orleans Jesuit
MVP Defense – Joe Hart – New Orleans Jesuit
Ryan Price – Melbourne
Callum Wilson – Melbourne
Jake Frahm - Land O’ Lakes
Jordan See – Gaither
Claude Daigler – Orlando Bishop Moore
Pedro D’Avila – Orlando Dr. Phillips
Max McDaniel – Gulf Breeze
Jagger Martinez – Countryside
Ben Sweat – Palm Harbor
Tyler McDaniel – Lake Mary
Mike Bajza – Sickles
Gil Davis – Sickles
Brandon Curriston – Niceville
Andrew Palumbo – Fort Myers Bishop Verot
Austin Jurado – Tampa Jesuit
Showing posts with label High School Soccer Classic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label High School Soccer Classic. Show all posts
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Preps: Countryside advances past Palm Harbor, Land O' Lakes falls late
TAMPA – Countryside scored twice in the first 10 minutes and then held off a strong Palm Harbor rally in the second half to advance to the semifinals of the High School Soccer Classic at the Ed Radice Sports Complex on Tuesday afternoon.
The Cougars capitalized on a pair of errors by the Hurricanes to jump out in front quickly, Max Seijo and Zack Schriver finding the net for a 2-0 lead. Countryside assistant coach Colby Beckman, filling in for Coach Dave Sica, said his side had made an adjustment to its starting formation that paid big dividends.
“We decided we wanted to push an extra guy forward,” Beckman said. “Not play out normal flat back four to try and jump on them early, that was the idea to put them on their heels, and luckily our guys were skilled enough to do it.”
Countryside’s Jagger Martinez added a third for the Cougars early in the second half, but the Hurricanes roared back getting goals from P.J. McDonald and Ben Sweat to make the score 3-2. Palm Harbor coach Alex Delgado said he thought the introduction of Austin Sweat gave his side the lift it needed.
“He came in, and he sparked the whole comeback, I think,” Delgado said. “He came in and changed things around.”
Beckman said he thought as the second half wore on his side played more not to lose than to win, but the Cougars were able to add an insurance goal just before the final whistle, Martinez’s second of the game, that allowed them to move on.
Countryside will face New Orleans Jesuit in the semifinals, but after a challenging week that has seen a lot of things go against the Cougars, Beckman is looking forward to another big challenge.
“A great side, it’ll be a great test for our team to see if we can fight through the tired legs,” Beckman said. “We’re looking forward to the opportunity.”
Land O’ Lakes could, and likely should, have joined the Cougars in the semifinals, but after creating the better chances and controlling the majority of play in the second half against Orlando Bishop Moore, the Gators allowed a late goal to give the Hornets a 2-1 victory.
Land O’ Lakes fell behind early, and was not playing up to its normal standard, but the Gators got back on level terms just before halftime as Jake Frahm scored on a brilliant strike from 25 yards out to make the score 1-1 at the break.
The Gators then had opportunities to take the lead in the second half, but a pair of good headers went over the bar, as did a pair of shots, and Andrew Garcia may have been guilty of a little too much unselfishness as he passed up a good shooting opportunity after beating his man to try and set up Frankie Villar instead, the opportunity ending up going to waste.
That came back to haunt the Gators late, as an indecisive piece of defending allowed speedy Bishop Moore forward Steven Taylor to pick up possession and break in on goal. Land O’ Lakes goalkeeper Kody Parker got a hand to the shot to try and turn it wide, but saw it deflect in off the left post, sending the Hornets through.
Bishop Moore will face Melbourne in the semifinals after the Bulldogs scored three goals in the first half to romp past an Orlando Dr. Phillips side that was reduced to 10 men before the break.
The Cougars capitalized on a pair of errors by the Hurricanes to jump out in front quickly, Max Seijo and Zack Schriver finding the net for a 2-0 lead. Countryside assistant coach Colby Beckman, filling in for Coach Dave Sica, said his side had made an adjustment to its starting formation that paid big dividends.
“We decided we wanted to push an extra guy forward,” Beckman said. “Not play out normal flat back four to try and jump on them early, that was the idea to put them on their heels, and luckily our guys were skilled enough to do it.”
Countryside’s Jagger Martinez added a third for the Cougars early in the second half, but the Hurricanes roared back getting goals from P.J. McDonald and Ben Sweat to make the score 3-2. Palm Harbor coach Alex Delgado said he thought the introduction of Austin Sweat gave his side the lift it needed.
“He came in, and he sparked the whole comeback, I think,” Delgado said. “He came in and changed things around.”
Beckman said he thought as the second half wore on his side played more not to lose than to win, but the Cougars were able to add an insurance goal just before the final whistle, Martinez’s second of the game, that allowed them to move on.
Countryside will face New Orleans Jesuit in the semifinals, but after a challenging week that has seen a lot of things go against the Cougars, Beckman is looking forward to another big challenge.
“A great side, it’ll be a great test for our team to see if we can fight through the tired legs,” Beckman said. “We’re looking forward to the opportunity.”
Land O’ Lakes could, and likely should, have joined the Cougars in the semifinals, but after creating the better chances and controlling the majority of play in the second half against Orlando Bishop Moore, the Gators allowed a late goal to give the Hornets a 2-1 victory.
Land O’ Lakes fell behind early, and was not playing up to its normal standard, but the Gators got back on level terms just before halftime as Jake Frahm scored on a brilliant strike from 25 yards out to make the score 1-1 at the break.
The Gators then had opportunities to take the lead in the second half, but a pair of good headers went over the bar, as did a pair of shots, and Andrew Garcia may have been guilty of a little too much unselfishness as he passed up a good shooting opportunity after beating his man to try and set up Frankie Villar instead, the opportunity ending up going to waste.
That came back to haunt the Gators late, as an indecisive piece of defending allowed speedy Bishop Moore forward Steven Taylor to pick up possession and break in on goal. Land O’ Lakes goalkeeper Kody Parker got a hand to the shot to try and turn it wide, but saw it deflect in off the left post, sending the Hornets through.
Bishop Moore will face Melbourne in the semifinals after the Bulldogs scored three goals in the first half to romp past an Orlando Dr. Phillips side that was reduced to 10 men before the break.
Preps: Sickles overwhelmed by New Orleans Jesuit
TAMPA – Sickles took an early lead, but in the end were overwhelmed by ESPN Rise No.6 New Orleans Jesuit attack led by Steven Cabos, who had a hat trick, that handed the Gryphons their first loss of the season 5-1 in the quarterfinals of the High School Soccer Classic at the Ed Radice Sports Complex on Tuesday afternoon.
Sickles had an early chance when Boris Simunovic beat the Blue Jays' offside trap, but with the goalkeeper off his line, Simeunovic’s looping header went over the crossbar. The Blue Jays had their own chance to take the lead when Cabos’ free kick rang the crossbar from 20 yards.
The Gryphons then took the lead in the 19th minute, an unlucky deflection on a clearing header by the Blue Jays falling to Eric Krukar, who shot in from close range. The Gryphons appeared in good shape to hold the lead until halftime, but in the 35th minute, a brilliant through-ball and chipped finish by Bradley James pulled New Orleans Jesuit back on level terms.
The Blue Jays then took the lead five minutes into the second half, an excellent volley by Cabos from outside the penalty area giving Sickles goalkeeper Brandon Stout no chance. A Gryphons defensive breakdown 10 minutes later then allowed Cabos to steal possession, and he released Jordan Schwartz into the left channel for a deft finish, chipping the ball into the net over the advancing Stout.
At that point, the Gryphons knew they had to go for broke, and pushed center back Gil Davies forward. The gamble didn’t pay off, unfortunately, as Cabos scored twice on counter-attacks three minutes apart to put the game away for the Hornets.
“It’s one of those things as a coach you have to gamble, move your players up,” Sickles coach Tony Calvo said. “It’s a tournament, you have to try and move your players up, so I did, after that third goal I had to try and move them up and see what was going to happen.”
Blue Jays coach Hubie Collins said he had told Cabos to be aware that there could be counter-attacking opportunities as his side switched to a more defensive 4-5-1 formation after going up 3-1, and was full of praise for his striker.
“Steven’s probably one of the more special talents I’ve had the chance to come across in my coaching career,” Collins said. “His technical ability is probably second-to-none in the players I’ve coached in my time in Louisiana. He’s been fantastic.”
Calvo said he was now eager to see how his side would respond to their first loss, with important district games against Gaither and King scheduled for early in the new year.
“I wanted to see how we would act when we lost,” Calvo said. “I think that there’s enough leadership on this team to rebound and continue.”
Sickles had an early chance when Boris Simunovic beat the Blue Jays' offside trap, but with the goalkeeper off his line, Simeunovic’s looping header went over the crossbar. The Blue Jays had their own chance to take the lead when Cabos’ free kick rang the crossbar from 20 yards.
The Gryphons then took the lead in the 19th minute, an unlucky deflection on a clearing header by the Blue Jays falling to Eric Krukar, who shot in from close range. The Gryphons appeared in good shape to hold the lead until halftime, but in the 35th minute, a brilliant through-ball and chipped finish by Bradley James pulled New Orleans Jesuit back on level terms.
The Blue Jays then took the lead five minutes into the second half, an excellent volley by Cabos from outside the penalty area giving Sickles goalkeeper Brandon Stout no chance. A Gryphons defensive breakdown 10 minutes later then allowed Cabos to steal possession, and he released Jordan Schwartz into the left channel for a deft finish, chipping the ball into the net over the advancing Stout.
At that point, the Gryphons knew they had to go for broke, and pushed center back Gil Davies forward. The gamble didn’t pay off, unfortunately, as Cabos scored twice on counter-attacks three minutes apart to put the game away for the Hornets.
“It’s one of those things as a coach you have to gamble, move your players up,” Sickles coach Tony Calvo said. “It’s a tournament, you have to try and move your players up, so I did, after that third goal I had to try and move them up and see what was going to happen.”
Blue Jays coach Hubie Collins said he had told Cabos to be aware that there could be counter-attacking opportunities as his side switched to a more defensive 4-5-1 formation after going up 3-1, and was full of praise for his striker.
“Steven’s probably one of the more special talents I’ve had the chance to come across in my coaching career,” Collins said. “His technical ability is probably second-to-none in the players I’ve coached in my time in Louisiana. He’s been fantastic.”
Calvo said he was now eager to see how his side would respond to their first loss, with important district games against Gaither and King scheduled for early in the new year.
“I wanted to see how we would act when we lost,” Calvo said. “I think that there’s enough leadership on this team to rebound and continue.”
Monday, December 21, 2009
Preps: Gryphons get goals from Ltief, shutouts from Stout to advance
TAMPA – A pair of goals by Joey Ltief and a pair of shutouts allowed Sickles to advance to the semifinals of the High School Soccer Classic on Monday evening, making the Gryphons the only Hillsborough country team remaining in this year’s competition.
Ltief scored twice in the first 15 minutes against Jacksonville Bolles, and the Gryphons were able to maintain their lead for a 2-0 victory against the Bulldogs to put them in position to advance in their opening game. Gryphons coach Tony Calvo said earning an early lead against Bolles was critical to his side’s success.
“That was our biggest thing,” Calvo said. “We wanted to get the goals in early against Bolles, because we had seen them play Niceville on Saturday and we figured if we could get the first goals in and then put high pressure, we would be fine.”
Stout was in excellent form in both games, making a pair of outstanding saves late against Bolles to help the Gryphons retain their lead, and then recorded a shutout against Niceville to allow Sickles to advance with a 0-0 draw. The Eagles won the ensuing shootout 4-2, but the Gryphons had already secured the point they needed to face New Orleans Jesuit in the quarterfinals at noon on Tuesday.
“He’s is a very big asset on the team,” Ltief said of Stout. “Obviously no one player can win it all, but having Brandon in goal, that’s obviously a plus, keeping us in the game.”
Now the Gryphons get a chance to unseat the No.6 Blue Jays, who advanced to the quarterfinals with a shootout victory after a 0-0 draw against Fort Myers Bishop Verot on Monday afternoon. Calvo said his side was looking forward to the challenge of facing such a highly-regarded squad.
“It’s going to be another challenge for us,” Calvo said. “This whole tournament has been tough, but I think it’s going to be a good game for us.”
Ltief scored twice in the first 15 minutes against Jacksonville Bolles, and the Gryphons were able to maintain their lead for a 2-0 victory against the Bulldogs to put them in position to advance in their opening game. Gryphons coach Tony Calvo said earning an early lead against Bolles was critical to his side’s success.
“That was our biggest thing,” Calvo said. “We wanted to get the goals in early against Bolles, because we had seen them play Niceville on Saturday and we figured if we could get the first goals in and then put high pressure, we would be fine.”
Stout was in excellent form in both games, making a pair of outstanding saves late against Bolles to help the Gryphons retain their lead, and then recorded a shutout against Niceville to allow Sickles to advance with a 0-0 draw. The Eagles won the ensuing shootout 4-2, but the Gryphons had already secured the point they needed to face New Orleans Jesuit in the quarterfinals at noon on Tuesday.
“He’s is a very big asset on the team,” Ltief said of Stout. “Obviously no one player can win it all, but having Brandon in goal, that’s obviously a plus, keeping us in the game.”
Now the Gryphons get a chance to unseat the No.6 Blue Jays, who advanced to the quarterfinals with a shootout victory after a 0-0 draw against Fort Myers Bishop Verot on Monday afternoon. Calvo said his side was looking forward to the challenge of facing such a highly-regarded squad.
“It’s going to be another challenge for us,” Calvo said. “This whole tournament has been tough, but I think it’s going to be a good game for us.”
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Preps: No.6 Blue Jays too much for Tigers
TAMPA – Jesuit twice held a lead against ESPN Rise No. 6 New Orleans Jesuit, but the Blue Jays scored three goals in the second half to rally for a 4-2 victory at the High School Soccer Classic at the Ed Radice Sports Complex on Saturday night.
The Blue Jays could have taken the lead in the first minute, when Patrick Culotta shot wide after a poor goal kick allowed him the chance at a goal. The Blue Jays squandered another pair of chances before the Tigers took the lead in the ninth minute, Chase Goodwin rising at the far post to head home Brett Durrance’s corner kick.
“When you think about it, they could have had, one, two, three in the first 10 minutes,” Tigers coach Bob Bauman said. “And we kind of weathered the storm, we come down and score.”
The Blue Jays, who won the ESPN Rise Winter national championship a season ago, continued to create chances, only to see them go begging. That changed in the 30th minute as a corner from the left was knocked down at the far post by Brandon Cohen, and Patrick Warwick stabbed a shot home from inside the 6-yard box.
The Tigers' energy remained high, though, and they continued to give as good as they took from the Blue Jays, and that was rewarded a minute before halftime. After a poor free kick from their half by the Blue Jays came straight to Tyler Hartlage, he fed a ball through to Durrance, who raced in alone on goal and finished coolly into the left corner of the net.
The Tigers’ lead didn’t last long into the second half as the Blue Jays tied the game off another corner four minutes into the second half, Alex Petrou scoring off a rebound from close in.
The Tigers could have retaken the lead shortly after Petrou’s equalizer, but saw Durrance’s free kick flick off the top of the defensive wall and go off the post, and a shot by Jordan Hayes turned around the left post by a good save.
The Blue Jays went ahead at the hour mark when Steven Cabos flicked a shot in with the outside of his right foot to make it 3-2. Cabos added his second with just under 10 minutes to go, but the wind had already been taken out of the Tigers’ sails.
New Orleans Jesuit coach Hubie Collins said he thought his side’s character was what made the difference.
“I think we just had to show our character in the second half, come out and show what we could do,” Collins said.
While he was disappointed his side hadn’t been able to pull off the upset, Bauman said he expected his side would learn from the game, and be better in their next outing.
“I think the biggest thing is we learned the difference between playing tentative and not to lose, compared to playing to win,” Bauman said. “We have some players who are bringing along their confidence level to play against a team of that caliber. So as we get these opportunities, which is a great opportunity like tonight, I think we’re going to learn from that and attempt to get better.
“I told this team from the first week on that the idea is we win our last game. That’s what matters to us. So if we get one percent better from tonight, we play another team at a higher level, then that’s a positive for us.”
The Blue Jays could have taken the lead in the first minute, when Patrick Culotta shot wide after a poor goal kick allowed him the chance at a goal. The Blue Jays squandered another pair of chances before the Tigers took the lead in the ninth minute, Chase Goodwin rising at the far post to head home Brett Durrance’s corner kick.
“When you think about it, they could have had, one, two, three in the first 10 minutes,” Tigers coach Bob Bauman said. “And we kind of weathered the storm, we come down and score.”
The Blue Jays, who won the ESPN Rise Winter national championship a season ago, continued to create chances, only to see them go begging. That changed in the 30th minute as a corner from the left was knocked down at the far post by Brandon Cohen, and Patrick Warwick stabbed a shot home from inside the 6-yard box.
The Tigers' energy remained high, though, and they continued to give as good as they took from the Blue Jays, and that was rewarded a minute before halftime. After a poor free kick from their half by the Blue Jays came straight to Tyler Hartlage, he fed a ball through to Durrance, who raced in alone on goal and finished coolly into the left corner of the net.
The Tigers’ lead didn’t last long into the second half as the Blue Jays tied the game off another corner four minutes into the second half, Alex Petrou scoring off a rebound from close in.
The Tigers could have retaken the lead shortly after Petrou’s equalizer, but saw Durrance’s free kick flick off the top of the defensive wall and go off the post, and a shot by Jordan Hayes turned around the left post by a good save.
The Blue Jays went ahead at the hour mark when Steven Cabos flicked a shot in with the outside of his right foot to make it 3-2. Cabos added his second with just under 10 minutes to go, but the wind had already been taken out of the Tigers’ sails.
New Orleans Jesuit coach Hubie Collins said he thought his side’s character was what made the difference.
“I think we just had to show our character in the second half, come out and show what we could do,” Collins said.
While he was disappointed his side hadn’t been able to pull off the upset, Bauman said he expected his side would learn from the game, and be better in their next outing.
“I think the biggest thing is we learned the difference between playing tentative and not to lose, compared to playing to win,” Bauman said. “We have some players who are bringing along their confidence level to play against a team of that caliber. So as we get these opportunities, which is a great opportunity like tonight, I think we’re going to learn from that and attempt to get better.
“I told this team from the first week on that the idea is we win our last game. That’s what matters to us. So if we get one percent better from tonight, we play another team at a higher level, then that’s a positive for us.”
Preps: Sweat gives Hurricanes opening win; Gators also victorious
TAMPA – Palm Harbor’s Ben Sweat helped get his team off to a good start at the High School Soccer Classic at the Ed Radice Sports Complex as his second-half goal gave the Hurricanes a 1-0 victory against Lake Mary in an entertaining clash on Saturday evening.
Sweat scored in the 60th minute, latching onto a long clearance from goalkeeper Joshua Paul before firing home low past the goalkeeper. That it took so long for either side to score was surprising, for both teams has good opportunities to break the deadlock before Sweat finally did, but Palm Harbor coach Alex Delgado was very happy it was his side that had come out on top.
“We definitely ducked some chances on their part in the first half, and as soon as we scored, there was a great opportunity for them,” Delgado said. “But I told (my players), it seemed like they had exhausted themselves in the first half to get that first goal … They didn’t put their chances away tonight, and a great ball by Josh, our keeper, put Ben in, and he put it away.”
Land O’ Lakes also took victory in its opening game, a first half goal by Tim Falcon proving enough for the Gators to earn a 1-0 victory against Monteverde Academy. Land O’ Lakes coach Mark Pearson was very happy with his side’s performance, especially in the defensive end where the Gators only allowed three shots on goal.
“We played very well,” Pearson said. “It was a great team effort, the kids played fantastic. We knew what to look for coming into the game, and we did everything that we wanted to do. We were unfortunate not to grab another couple of goals late on the counter-attack, but we did everything right for the first game.”
The same could not be said of Gaither, who went behind in a poor first half against Orlando Bishop Moore, and were unable to break down the Hornets tight defense in falling 1-0. Cowboys coach Eris Sims said adjusting from the small high school fields his side had played on throughout this season to the more conventionally-sized pitches at the Radice Complex was an adjustment his side had struggled with.
“It was a fair result, I thought they were a good side, and they deserved to win,” Sims said. “When they play on the small fields in Hillsborough County, you don’t have to run far before the ball's going out of bounds. It was an adjustment we weren’t able to make, I just hope we play better on Monday.”
Seminole also fell, a hat trick by Melbourne’s Ryan Price in the final 20 minutes of the game giving the Bulldogs a 3-0 victory. Melbourne had started the better of the two sides, Price having a volley well saved and hitting the post with another first half effort, but as the game wore on the Warhawks began to come into the game more against the defending Class 6A champions.
In the end, though, Price’s speed and the timing of his runs to beat the Seminole offside trap proved decisive.
“He was the difference in this game, in my opinion,” Seminole coach Rick Masi said. “I thought it was a pretty good game up until that point, but as I was just telling the boys I thought after the second goal we caved in.”
Countryside also fell on a late goal to Orangewood Christian, the Rams earning a 2-1 victory, putting a place for the Cougars in the quarterfinals a long way away.
Sweat scored in the 60th minute, latching onto a long clearance from goalkeeper Joshua Paul before firing home low past the goalkeeper. That it took so long for either side to score was surprising, for both teams has good opportunities to break the deadlock before Sweat finally did, but Palm Harbor coach Alex Delgado was very happy it was his side that had come out on top.
“We definitely ducked some chances on their part in the first half, and as soon as we scored, there was a great opportunity for them,” Delgado said. “But I told (my players), it seemed like they had exhausted themselves in the first half to get that first goal … They didn’t put their chances away tonight, and a great ball by Josh, our keeper, put Ben in, and he put it away.”
Land O’ Lakes also took victory in its opening game, a first half goal by Tim Falcon proving enough for the Gators to earn a 1-0 victory against Monteverde Academy. Land O’ Lakes coach Mark Pearson was very happy with his side’s performance, especially in the defensive end where the Gators only allowed three shots on goal.
“We played very well,” Pearson said. “It was a great team effort, the kids played fantastic. We knew what to look for coming into the game, and we did everything that we wanted to do. We were unfortunate not to grab another couple of goals late on the counter-attack, but we did everything right for the first game.”
The same could not be said of Gaither, who went behind in a poor first half against Orlando Bishop Moore, and were unable to break down the Hornets tight defense in falling 1-0. Cowboys coach Eris Sims said adjusting from the small high school fields his side had played on throughout this season to the more conventionally-sized pitches at the Radice Complex was an adjustment his side had struggled with.
“It was a fair result, I thought they were a good side, and they deserved to win,” Sims said. “When they play on the small fields in Hillsborough County, you don’t have to run far before the ball's going out of bounds. It was an adjustment we weren’t able to make, I just hope we play better on Monday.”
Seminole also fell, a hat trick by Melbourne’s Ryan Price in the final 20 minutes of the game giving the Bulldogs a 3-0 victory. Melbourne had started the better of the two sides, Price having a volley well saved and hitting the post with another first half effort, but as the game wore on the Warhawks began to come into the game more against the defending Class 6A champions.
In the end, though, Price’s speed and the timing of his runs to beat the Seminole offside trap proved decisive.
“He was the difference in this game, in my opinion,” Seminole coach Rick Masi said. “I thought it was a pretty good game up until that point, but as I was just telling the boys I thought after the second goal we caved in.”
Countryside also fell on a late goal to Orangewood Christian, the Rams earning a 2-1 victory, putting a place for the Cougars in the quarterfinals a long way away.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Preps: Classic success can elevate team's standing, confidence
TAMPA – The 16th High School Soccer Classic kicks off on Saturday afternoon at the Ed Radice Sports Complex with a presitigious title on the line for the 24 teams set to compete.
But while taking away a championship from a tournament that contains a number of returning Florida state champions, and numerous sides currently in the ESPN Rise Winter Fab 50 rankings, the ability to build momentum, and the chance to build confidence, entering the second half of the season is at the forefront of many coaches minds.
Last season, Berkeley Prep built off its Classic title by making a run to the Class 3A state championship. Buccaneers coach Tim Cooper said competing and defeating such a strong level of competition gave his team a big boost of confidence, and the belief they could compete with anybody.
“When you win a prestigious tournament like that, I think it gives your team some self-confidence,” Cooper said. “I think it gives your team respect from other opponents, especially for us as a smaller school, a 3A school, I thought it kind of put us on the map not just in 3A but in the bigger picture of high school soccer. For us to win that last year was a tremendous accolade.”
Gaither coach Eric Sims saw a similar effect. After his side had struggled in the first half of the 2008-09 season, the Cowboys were 0-7-1 entering last season’s tournament, a shootout win against Lake Brantley and victories against Jacksonville Bolles and Sarasota put the team into the tournament semifinals with a new belief in what their season could hold.
“It definitely springboarded us into the second half of the year realizing that we were a good team, and that we had been unlucky in a lot of results,” Sims said. “I think with us, even last year, we didn’t win the thing, but it still helped us going into the second half of the year saying we could play with anybody.”
This season Gaither opens with Orlando Bishop Moore, and then faces an all-Hillsborough County clash with Tampa Prep. With the Terrapins ranked No.17 in the latest ESPN Rise poll, and the Cowboys ranked No.50, both coaches are excited for the first meeting between the two sides in either of their tenures.
“We’ve heard a lot about Gaither, we know they have some quality players, and we’re excited about the opportunity to play them,” Tampa Prep coach Doug Smith said. “Any time you have an opponent that’s recognized nationally, regardless of where they are from, but particularly if they’re in the same city, it kind of builds up some excitement within the players. The opportunity to play a team like Gaither, that’s just going to make the tournament for us.”
For Sickles coach Tony Calvo, whose side opens against defending Class 3A champion Bolles on Monday before a game against Niceville later in the day, the tournament is a chance for the Gryphons to continue their emergence as a potential state contender. After coming close to advancing into the semifinals the past two seasons, Calvo said his side is eager to break through this season.
“I think this year, these guys are hungry for this tournament,” Calvo said. “We’re at that point right now where physically we’ve been training hard, a lot of the boys on the team have been mentally preparing for every game, and it shows. It shows at our practices, it shows at our team dinners, it shows when we walk on the field that these guys really feel that this is their year to go pretty far.”
And a run to the latter stages of the tournament could provide, as it has for others in years past, just the springboard they need to do so.
“I think if you do well in this tournament,” Smith said, “because it is so prestigious, and brings in so much good competition, I think that really provides some insight as to where your season will end up.”
But while taking away a championship from a tournament that contains a number of returning Florida state champions, and numerous sides currently in the ESPN Rise Winter Fab 50 rankings, the ability to build momentum, and the chance to build confidence, entering the second half of the season is at the forefront of many coaches minds.
Last season, Berkeley Prep built off its Classic title by making a run to the Class 3A state championship. Buccaneers coach Tim Cooper said competing and defeating such a strong level of competition gave his team a big boost of confidence, and the belief they could compete with anybody.
“When you win a prestigious tournament like that, I think it gives your team some self-confidence,” Cooper said. “I think it gives your team respect from other opponents, especially for us as a smaller school, a 3A school, I thought it kind of put us on the map not just in 3A but in the bigger picture of high school soccer. For us to win that last year was a tremendous accolade.”
Gaither coach Eric Sims saw a similar effect. After his side had struggled in the first half of the 2008-09 season, the Cowboys were 0-7-1 entering last season’s tournament, a shootout win against Lake Brantley and victories against Jacksonville Bolles and Sarasota put the team into the tournament semifinals with a new belief in what their season could hold.
“It definitely springboarded us into the second half of the year realizing that we were a good team, and that we had been unlucky in a lot of results,” Sims said. “I think with us, even last year, we didn’t win the thing, but it still helped us going into the second half of the year saying we could play with anybody.”
This season Gaither opens with Orlando Bishop Moore, and then faces an all-Hillsborough County clash with Tampa Prep. With the Terrapins ranked No.17 in the latest ESPN Rise poll, and the Cowboys ranked No.50, both coaches are excited for the first meeting between the two sides in either of their tenures.
“We’ve heard a lot about Gaither, we know they have some quality players, and we’re excited about the opportunity to play them,” Tampa Prep coach Doug Smith said. “Any time you have an opponent that’s recognized nationally, regardless of where they are from, but particularly if they’re in the same city, it kind of builds up some excitement within the players. The opportunity to play a team like Gaither, that’s just going to make the tournament for us.”
For Sickles coach Tony Calvo, whose side opens against defending Class 3A champion Bolles on Monday before a game against Niceville later in the day, the tournament is a chance for the Gryphons to continue their emergence as a potential state contender. After coming close to advancing into the semifinals the past two seasons, Calvo said his side is eager to break through this season.
“I think this year, these guys are hungry for this tournament,” Calvo said. “We’re at that point right now where physically we’ve been training hard, a lot of the boys on the team have been mentally preparing for every game, and it shows. It shows at our practices, it shows at our team dinners, it shows when we walk on the field that these guys really feel that this is their year to go pretty far.”
And a run to the latter stages of the tournament could provide, as it has for others in years past, just the springboard they need to do so.
“I think if you do well in this tournament,” Smith said, “because it is so prestigious, and brings in so much good competition, I think that really provides some insight as to where your season will end up.”
Friday, December 11, 2009
Preps: Players absences caused TC's withdrawl
Tampa Catholic coach Kevin McCarron said on Friday morning that player absences over the holiday period had led to his side’s withdrawl from the High School Soccer Classic, allowing Berkeley Prep to take its place in the event.
The Crusaders, who were already without sweeper Kevin Carter to injury, lost another pair of starters to family commitments during the tournament. That led McCarron to make the decision to allow the Buccaneers to take their place.
“I started thinking about it, and I’m thinking, ‘I’m down three starters, and Berkeley’s not in, and that doesn’t even seem right,’ ” McCarron said. “So I called Tim Cooper and I said ‘Look, we’re not going to be as competitve as we need to be for this level of tournament, and you’re not in it and you’re defending champions, would you be interested?’ And of course he said that he was thrilled.”
The Crusaders defeated Lake Gibson on Thursday night 4-3, two goals apiece from Andrew Buckley and Matt Moore allowing them to rally from a 2-1 halftime deficit. The Crusaders have one more game, at Orlando Bishop Moore next Thursday, before the holiday break before an arduous schedule in the new year that sees them play seven game in 13 days before the Class 3A-District 10 tournament.
The Crusaders, who were already without sweeper Kevin Carter to injury, lost another pair of starters to family commitments during the tournament. That led McCarron to make the decision to allow the Buccaneers to take their place.
“I started thinking about it, and I’m thinking, ‘I’m down three starters, and Berkeley’s not in, and that doesn’t even seem right,’ ” McCarron said. “So I called Tim Cooper and I said ‘Look, we’re not going to be as competitve as we need to be for this level of tournament, and you’re not in it and you’re defending champions, would you be interested?’ And of course he said that he was thrilled.”
The Crusaders defeated Lake Gibson on Thursday night 4-3, two goals apiece from Andrew Buckley and Matt Moore allowing them to rally from a 2-1 halftime deficit. The Crusaders have one more game, at Orlando Bishop Moore next Thursday, before the holiday break before an arduous schedule in the new year that sees them play seven game in 13 days before the Class 3A-District 10 tournament.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Preps: Tampa Catholic withdrawl allows Berkeley Prep into Classic
Berkeley Prep will play in this season’s High School Soccer Classic next weekend after Tampa Catholic withdrew from the 24-team field, Jesuit coach Bob Bauman confirmed on Thursday night.
Calls to Berkeley coach Tim Cooper and Tampa Catholic coach Kevin McCarron were not returned on Thursday night.
Berkeley had initially been excluded from the field due to a miscommunication between Bauman and Cooper, but the Buccaneers will now take the place of the Crusaders in Pool 4, facing Seminole and ESPN Rise No.9 Melbourne in the opening round of pool play. Bauman said he was glad the Buccaneers would get the opportunity to compete in the event.
“I would have felt awful if they hadn’t been able to come into the tournament,” Bauman said. “(Berkeley has) got a very good squad this year, so to not have them in it, to me, it wouldn’t have hurt the tournament, there are a lot of quality teams in it, but I would have just hated to see those kids miss out on that opportunity.”
The Classic begins on Dec. 19 at the Ed Radice Sports Complex.
Calls to Berkeley coach Tim Cooper and Tampa Catholic coach Kevin McCarron were not returned on Thursday night.
Berkeley had initially been excluded from the field due to a miscommunication between Bauman and Cooper, but the Buccaneers will now take the place of the Crusaders in Pool 4, facing Seminole and ESPN Rise No.9 Melbourne in the opening round of pool play. Bauman said he was glad the Buccaneers would get the opportunity to compete in the event.
“I would have felt awful if they hadn’t been able to come into the tournament,” Bauman said. “(Berkeley has) got a very good squad this year, so to not have them in it, to me, it wouldn’t have hurt the tournament, there are a lot of quality teams in it, but I would have just hated to see those kids miss out on that opportunity.”
The Classic begins on Dec. 19 at the Ed Radice Sports Complex.
Preps: Berkeley's Cooper says miscommunication to blame for Bucs absence
Berkeley Prep coach Tim Cooper reiterated Jesuit coach Bob Bauman’s sentiment that it was a simple miscommunication that led to the Buccaneers being left out of the High School Soccer Classic field.
Cooper said he believed Bauman knew the Buccaneers wanted to keep their traditional place in the tournament, and as a result didn’t return Bauman’s e-mails to confirm their entry to the field. That, in turn, led the Buccaneers absence when the provisional field of teams was announced.
“I got an e-mail to confirm it, and I saw it sent to the other coaches, but I guess I just didn’t follow up to say, ‘hey, listen, we’re in’, I just assumed (Bob) knew that,” Cooper said. “So I’ll take the blame for it, I know my guys are not too happy about it, but I’m not giving up complete hope. I’m hoping that if something happens, we’ll be able to get in.”
Cooper said that if one of the 24 teams drops out between now and the Dec.19 start of the tournament, the Buccaneers should take that place in the field, and he is also trying to set up a game with ESPN Rise No.6 New Orleans Jesuit while it is in Tampa for the event. It would seem strange, though, for the tournament, now in its 16th season, to not include the Buccaneers, who helped found the tournament along with the Tigers.
“If something happens where somebody drops out, that would put us in,” Cooper said. “I think that’s a long-shot getting in if somebody drops out at this point, 10 days before, unless something major happens at the last second, then we’re not in it.”
Cooper said he believed Bauman knew the Buccaneers wanted to keep their traditional place in the tournament, and as a result didn’t return Bauman’s e-mails to confirm their entry to the field. That, in turn, led the Buccaneers absence when the provisional field of teams was announced.
“I got an e-mail to confirm it, and I saw it sent to the other coaches, but I guess I just didn’t follow up to say, ‘hey, listen, we’re in’, I just assumed (Bob) knew that,” Cooper said. “So I’ll take the blame for it, I know my guys are not too happy about it, but I’m not giving up complete hope. I’m hoping that if something happens, we’ll be able to get in.”
Cooper said that if one of the 24 teams drops out between now and the Dec.19 start of the tournament, the Buccaneers should take that place in the field, and he is also trying to set up a game with ESPN Rise No.6 New Orleans Jesuit while it is in Tampa for the event. It would seem strange, though, for the tournament, now in its 16th season, to not include the Buccaneers, who helped found the tournament along with the Tigers.
“If something happens where somebody drops out, that would put us in,” Cooper said. “I think that’s a long-shot getting in if somebody drops out at this point, 10 days before, unless something major happens at the last second, then we’re not in it.”
Preps: New Orleans Jesuit in, Berkeley Prep absent from Classic field
Jesuit has released the complete pool play schedule for the High School Soccer Classic tournament, with ESPN Rise Winter rankings preseason No.6 New Orleans Jesuit headlining the 24-team field.
A notable absence, though, is Berkeley Prep. The Buccaneers helped found the tournament, now in its 16th season, and won the Premier Division of the tournament a season ago. According to an e-mail from Jesuit coach Bob Bauman sent out, the Buccaneers absence was due to a misunderstanding.
Here is the complete schedule for pool play, with the championship bracket schedule still a work in progress.
Pool 1
Saturday, Dec. 19, 2 p.m.: Land O’ Lakes vs. Monteverde
Monday, Dec. 21, 9 a.m.: Monteverde vs. Sarasota
Monday, Dec. 21, 2 p.m.: Sarasota vs. Land O’ Lakes
Pool 2
Saturday, Dec. 19, 2 p.m.: Gaither vs. Orlando Bishop Moore
Monday, Dec. 21, 9 a.m.: Gaither vs. Tampa Prep
Monday, Dec. 21, 2 p.m.: Tampa Prep vs. Orlando Bishop Moore
Pool 3
Saturday, Dec. 19, 4 p.m.: Stanton Prep vs. Orlando Dr. Phillips
Monday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m.: Stanton Prep vs. Mitchell
Monday Dec. 21, 4 p.m.: Mitchell vs. Orlando Dr. Phillips
Pool 4
Saturday, Dec. 19, 4 p.m.: Melbourne vs. Seminole
Monday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m.: Tampa Catholic vs. Melbourne
Monday, Dec. 21, 4 p.m.: Seminole vs. Tampa Catholic
Pool 5
Saturday, Dec. 19, 6 p.m.: Countryside vs. Orangewood Christian
Monday, Dec. 21, 1 p.m.: Orangewood Christian vs. Gulf Breeze
Monday, Dec. 21, 6 p.m.: Countryside vs. Gulf Breeze
Pool 6
Saturday, Dec. 19, 6 p.m.: Palm Harbor vs. Lake Mary
Monday, Dec. 21, 1 p.m.: Palm Harbor vs. Clearwater Central Catholic
Monday, Dec. 21, 6 p.m.: Clearwater Central Catholic vs. Lake Mary
Pool 7
Saturday, Dec. 19, 8 p.m.: Jacksonville Bolles vs. Niceville
Monday, Dec. 21, 3 p.m.: Jacksonville Bolles vs. Sickles
Monday, Dec. 21, 8 p.m.: Sickles vs. Niceville
Pool 8
Saturday, Dec. 19, 8 p.m.: Jesuit vs. New Orleans Jesuit, 8 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 21, 3 p.m.: Fort Myers Bishop Verot vs. New Orleans Jesuit, 3 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 21, 8 p.m.: Jesuit vs. Fort Myers Bishop Verot, 8 p.m.
A notable absence, though, is Berkeley Prep. The Buccaneers helped found the tournament, now in its 16th season, and won the Premier Division of the tournament a season ago. According to an e-mail from Jesuit coach Bob Bauman sent out, the Buccaneers absence was due to a misunderstanding.
Here is the complete schedule for pool play, with the championship bracket schedule still a work in progress.
Pool 1
Saturday, Dec. 19, 2 p.m.: Land O’ Lakes vs. Monteverde
Monday, Dec. 21, 9 a.m.: Monteverde vs. Sarasota
Monday, Dec. 21, 2 p.m.: Sarasota vs. Land O’ Lakes
Pool 2
Saturday, Dec. 19, 2 p.m.: Gaither vs. Orlando Bishop Moore
Monday, Dec. 21, 9 a.m.: Gaither vs. Tampa Prep
Monday, Dec. 21, 2 p.m.: Tampa Prep vs. Orlando Bishop Moore
Pool 3
Saturday, Dec. 19, 4 p.m.: Stanton Prep vs. Orlando Dr. Phillips
Monday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m.: Stanton Prep vs. Mitchell
Monday Dec. 21, 4 p.m.: Mitchell vs. Orlando Dr. Phillips
Pool 4
Saturday, Dec. 19, 4 p.m.: Melbourne vs. Seminole
Monday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m.: Tampa Catholic vs. Melbourne
Monday, Dec. 21, 4 p.m.: Seminole vs. Tampa Catholic
Pool 5
Saturday, Dec. 19, 6 p.m.: Countryside vs. Orangewood Christian
Monday, Dec. 21, 1 p.m.: Orangewood Christian vs. Gulf Breeze
Monday, Dec. 21, 6 p.m.: Countryside vs. Gulf Breeze
Pool 6
Saturday, Dec. 19, 6 p.m.: Palm Harbor vs. Lake Mary
Monday, Dec. 21, 1 p.m.: Palm Harbor vs. Clearwater Central Catholic
Monday, Dec. 21, 6 p.m.: Clearwater Central Catholic vs. Lake Mary
Pool 7
Saturday, Dec. 19, 8 p.m.: Jacksonville Bolles vs. Niceville
Monday, Dec. 21, 3 p.m.: Jacksonville Bolles vs. Sickles
Monday, Dec. 21, 8 p.m.: Sickles vs. Niceville
Pool 8
Saturday, Dec. 19, 8 p.m.: Jesuit vs. New Orleans Jesuit, 8 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 21, 3 p.m.: Fort Myers Bishop Verot vs. New Orleans Jesuit, 3 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 21, 8 p.m.: Jesuit vs. Fort Myers Bishop Verot, 8 p.m.
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