STANTON BATTLES BISHOP KENNY TO A 0-0 DRAW

FABRIZIO GOWDY | NOVEMBER 24, 2020 | SPORTS

The Stanton College Preparatory School Blue Devils boys soccer team tied the undefeated Bishop Kenny High School Crusaders at home Monday night.

“If you’re a player or a coach, this is a game you wanted to be in,” said Stanton head coach Steve Stone. “It was such a fun game.”

Stanton dominated the time of possession and created more opportunities than Bishop Kenny all night, but couldn't finish. The Blue Devils kept Bishop Kenny goalkeeper Jake Moran busy with five corners in the opening 20 minutes. Stanton junior defensive back Kristian Fischer and senior midfielder Jake Faltemier both had shots on goal inside the six-yard box, but Moran's seven first half saves kept the game scoreless.

Stanton continued to create opportunities. Senior striker Miles Andre had a shot on goal from the left side, and junior midfielder Joseph Alberto, who played several nice through balls, took a free kick from near midfield that almost snuck in the upper right corner of the goal. 

For its part, Stanton's defense held its own. Defensive backs Ryan Dreibelbis and Chris Russel limited the Crusaders' shots on goal. The game remained a scoreless tie at the half.

Stanton kept up the offensive pressure coming out of the break. Joseph Alberto had two more free kicks on which he nearly scored, and a Jake Faltemier header inside the box forced a diving save from Bishop Kenny’s Jake Moran. The Crusader keeper had 16 saves, including seven in the first 14 minutes of the second half.

While Stanton dominated in shots on goal and possession, Bishop Kenny did have a few scoring opportunities, particularly on set pieces late in the game. In the 71st minute, a long free kick by junior forward Martin Pineiros hung in the air and bounced precariously into the box before it was cleared just feet in front of the face of the goal. Moments later, a header by senior midfielder Lucas Sams bounced off the crossbar and over the back of the net. 

Ultimately, the game remained scoreless at the final whistle, despite a series of last-minute Stanton opportunities in the 76th minute. 

“It was a good game and we did everything, but we didn’t get one in the net. Those games happen,” said Coach Stone. I was happy with the way we played. The kids let it all hang out on both sides.

Some of Stanton’s side were unhappy with the referees, who called few penalties and seemed content to let the highly physical game play out. The officials handed two yellow cards to Stanton players and none to Bishop Kenny. Coach Stone pushed back on the idea that the officiating was unfair.  

“That referee is probably one of the best referees in the state, and he let both teams play,” said Stone.

Now 3-0-1, Bishop Kenny's next game is Monday at Episcopal School of Jacksonville. Meanwhile, 1-0-2 Stanton looks to remain unbeaten next Tuesday when it travels to Bartram Trail High School to face the Bears. The Bears and the Blue Devils also fought to a scoreless draw last year at Stanton.