FABRIZIO GOWDY | JAN. 12, 2020 | SPORTS

Stanton College Preparatory School varsity boys soccer advanced to the Gateway Conference Semifinals Tuesday, using a big first half to defeat the Sandalwood High School Saints 4-0 at home.

The Saints earned their spot in the quarterfinals after a 4-1 first round victory over Westside High School at home Jan. 7; top-seeded Stanton had a bye. In their last matchup, on Dec. 14, a stout Sandalwood defense gave up just one goal, ultimately losing 1-0.

Almost all the action early took place in Sandalwood's half, and it was the Blue Devils who scored first. Assisted by senior mid Zach Wagner, senior defensive back Ryan Dreibelbis put Stanton on the board in the 14th minute. His shot from inside the six yard box snuck in the left post.

Moments later, senior forward Brandon Diaz scored an impressive volley goal to put Stanton up 2-0. In the 19th minute, a Sandalwood foul on the right side of the box gave the Blue Devils a penalty kick. Senior defensive back Ethan Alesch drilled the penalty, giving the Blue Devils their third goal in five minutes.

Following Alesch's goal, the Saints were able to stop the bleeding. The final twenty minutes of the first half were scoreless, and Sandalwood began to even out the time of possession, which had been heavily in Stanton's favor.

The second was uneventful in comparison to the fourth. Stanton was hardly in need of another goal, but nevertheless scored again in the 56th minute. A low, fast shot from Brandon Diaz found the right side of the net. The Blue Devils, who were already in cruise control, coasted to a four-goal win.

Stanton (7-0-4) will meet the Englewood High School in the semifinals at Losco Regional Park Thursday night. The Saints (4-9-1) are eliminated from the tourney and look forward to districts.

Stanton Defeats Sandalwood in Gateway Quarterfinals