Stanton Wins District Title

BY FABRIZIO GOWDY | FEB. 8, 2021 | SPORTS

The Stanton College Preparatory School girls soccer team ended Middleburg High School's season Monday, defeating the Broncos 6-0 in the FHSAA Region 5A District 2 Championship game. 

Both teams came into Monday's game at Stanton riding high after dominant wins Thursday in the semifinals; the Broncos defeated Lee High School 8-2, while the Blue Devils routed Orange Park High School 8-0.

Senior Stanton mid Alyssa Katsaras opened the scoring for the Blue Devils. Her fourth minute free kick from a few yards beyond the 18-yard box hit the inside of the far post and bounced in for a goal.

The Blue Devils dominated the time of possession, but struggled to capitalize. Much of their issues had to do with senior Middleburg keeper Ceara Braun, who had an outstanding first half, recording 19 first half saves. Several of those saves were diving efforts, including an improbable save made by trapping the ball between her knees from point-blank range.

However, Braun's performance only held for so long. In the 29th minute, freshman forward Emma Griner took control of the ball on the right side of the box, turned, and got off a low shot that snuck past the Bronco keeper. In the 38th minute, sophomore forward Emma Elrod added another Stanton goal, giving the Blue Devils a comfortable 3-0 margin as they entered the half.

As in the first half, it did not take the Blue Devils long to score in the second. Emma Griner notched her second goal of the game, a penalty kick in the 47th minute. Braun could only watch as dd well-placed shot found the bottom left corner of the net. 

Moments later, amidst a mad scramble in the 62nd minute, junior mid Victoria Quintero nudged the ball just over the goal line and gave the Blue Devils a 5-0 lead. Freshman forward Kimberly Norton capped off a prolific night for the Blue Devil offense, scoring a physical goal inside the six-yard box in the 75th minute.

Middleburg’s season ends with a final record of 11-6-2, while Stanton (6-6-3) advances to the regional quarterfinals. Regionals begin next Tuesday for Stanton; the location and their opponent has yet to be determined.