Stanton Falls to Jesuit in State Semis
By FABRIZIO GOWDY | Feb. 27, 2020 | Sports
photo by Fabrizio Gowdy
The Stanton College Preparatory School Blue Devils varsity boys soccer team's season ended in Tampa, Fla. Saturday night with a 3-0 loss to the Tigers of Jesuit High School in the 5A state semifinals.
“It was a good year. We didn’t expect to be here at the beginning of the season, Stanton head coach Steve Stone. “I couldn’t be prouder of the boys.”
The 14 mph winds blowing at Jesuit's back put Stanton at a disadvantage in the first half. The Tigers dominated in ball control and scoring opportunities early on.
“They’re a really good team and they got the win,” said Coach Stone. “We were back on our heels.”
A Jesuit goal on a well-designed free kick in the 27th minute put the Tigers up 1-0. The ball was crossed into Jesuit senior forward Zachary Board, who trapped it with his chest and passed it across the box to senior forward Carson Bien, whose shot found the back of the net. The goal marked the first time the Stanton defense allowed a non-penalty kick goal since a Jan. 24 match against Yulee High School.
photo by Fabrizio Gowdy
The Blue Devils nearly tied the game in the very next minute, when junior striker Brandon Diaz nearly turned a terrific cross from junior defensive back Ryan Dreibelbis into a header goal.
Stanton keeper Andrew Zalewa kept the Blue Devils in the game with a solid first half. The senior recorded seven first half saves, including three with his feet.
Stanton initially had momentum in the second half, coming maddeningly close to scoring an equalizing goal several times. Despite a valiant Blue Devil effort, Jesuit's Zachary Board dashed Stanton's hopes of a comeback with a 63rd minute goal. Board added another goal on an indirect free kick from close range in the 71st minute.
photo by Fabrizio Gowdy
The loss is a tough way for the Blue Devils to cap a stellar season, but there is plenty of reason to be optimistic for next season. Stanton only loses three senior starters and has a solid group of juniors and underclassmen.
“We’ll lose a few, but you always gain a few too. We’ll be okay next year,” said Coach Stone.
Stanton finishes the season with a record of 19-5-1 and its best finish since 2010. Jesuit advances to the state championship game, which will be held at Spec Martin Stadium in Deland, Fla. on Feb. 29.