Stanton Ties Bartram

Fabrizio Gowdy | Nov. 20, 2019 | Sports

The Stanton College Preparatory Blue Devils varsity boys soccer team played the Bears of Bartram Trail High School to a hard-fought 0-0 draw in a Tuesday night home game on Nov. 19.

The Blue Devils dominated the first half, with most of the action occurring in Bartram’s defensive half. Junior strikers Brandon Diaz, Miles Andre, and Greg Jones applied pressure and forced Bartram’s goalie to make a number of saves.

“We worked hard. It was a great result against a great team,” said Andre. The first half offense was supplemented by solid defense play, especially from junior defensive backs Ryan Dreibelbis, Chris Russel, and Ethan Alesch, and senior goalkeeper Andrew Zalewa, who recorded two saves. 

“We should have won but it is what it is,” said Russel. “We almost pulled out a win at the end.” 

The second half was more balanced, with both sides getting more shots on goal as both the defenses deteriorated. With six minutes remaining in the game, Stanton narrowly dodged defeat when a shot from a Bartram striker bounced off keeper Andrew Zalewa’s hands and rolled precariously across the face of the goal before it was cleared.

Stanton had its own opportunity at a miraculous last minute goal in the eightieth minute. With the clock ticking below ten seconds, Russel sprinted to the corner to take a last second corner kick. He crossed it to Senior Nick Fakar, whose header barely missed the net, sailing wide left as time expired.

“We had a few more chances than they had, but we didn’t capitalize,” said Stanton Coach Steve Stone. Regardless of being unable to capitalize on offense, Coach Stone was happy with his team’s defense, which has yet to allow a goal this season. 

According to Coach Stone, Bartram regularly makes the playoffs and is typically one of Stanton’s tougher opponents, which is why many Stanton players were encouraged by the result.

The Blue Devils are now 1-0-1 in the regular season, and will play at Terry Parker High School on Nov. 21.