Stanton Crowned 5A Regional Champs
By FABRIZIO GOWDY | Feb. 20, 2020 | Sports
The Stanton College Preparatory School Blue Devils varsity boys soccer team won the 5A regional championship by defeating the Gainesville High School Hurricanes 1-0 in Gainesville, Fla. Wednesday night.
photo by Fabrizio Gowdy
"What a game,” said Stanton head Coach Steve Stone. "Everybody worked hard and our set play scored us a goal."
About 300 fans, mostly Gainesville supporters, packed into the stands at Citizens Field. About two dozen Stanton students also turned out to support the visiting Blue Devils.
The Blue Devils took an early lead on a throw-in by junior striker Brandon Diaz. Junior midfielder Jake Faltemier headed the the throw in for a goal in the 13th minute.
“It was a great throw by Brandon,” said Faltemier. "It came in, I put my head through it, and it went in."
Gainesville went on the attack midway through the first half, forcing the Blue Devil defense to repel several Hurricane scoring opportunities, including two free kicks. Stanton held on to a 1-0 halftime lead as senior keeper Andrew Zalewa registered four first half saves.
“That's two straight games with eight plus saves and two straight shutouts, so that's awesome,” said Zalewa.
photo by Fabrizio Gowdy
The second half grew increasingly tense as the clock wound down. Two Stanton players were given yellow cards and Gainesville was awarded a number of free kicks.
“We just buckled down,” said Coach Stone. "We put Joe [Alberto] on their dangerous number seven and frustrated him."
A Blue Devil defense which has allowed just one goal in the month of February continued its recent hot streak by pitching its 11th shutout of the season. Zalewa had another exceptional game, coming up with four critical second half saves.
“We just worked as a unit and Andrew [Zalewa] made some fantastic saves," said Coach Stone.
Gainesville is denied its first trip to the state semifinals since 1992, while Stanton advances to the semis for the first time in a decade. The Blue Devils' next match is at Tampa Jesuit High School on Feb. 22.
photo by Fabrizio Gowdy