TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Rossi On To Next Goal

ADVERTISEMENT

By CHRIS ERRINGTON Tribune correspondent

Published: December 11, 2007

Deana Rossi knew it was a matter of time. So did Coach Skip Glover. All that was left to decide last Friday night was when the right moment would come.

In a style befitting both her athleticism and outstanding soccer talent, Rossi, River Ridge's senior forward corralled a pass and kept two Ridgewood defenders off her hips. Then, having the presence of mind to wait for her opportunity, the Royal Knights' undisputed leader made the goalkeeper commit before shooting.

Exciting goal, sure. Blowout 6-0, victory. Yep. So what was it that made this one so special?

It was the 100{+t}{+h} of Rossi's career.

"She's not a long-ball shooter. Not one who's going to tear you up from 20 yards out," Glover said. "She's going to beat you face to face and carry it into the box and beat you from there.

"This is the way she plays and why she's been so successful."

Glover said neither he nor Rossi spoke much about the milestone tally prior to the game and that most River Ridge teammates had no idea of the feat until it happened. Now for Rossi, who leads the Royal Knights (10-0-1) and Class 5A-District 7 with 19 goals to go along with 8 assists, one milestone remains - the school record. But, playing the role of both coach and psychologist, Glover hasn't told Rossi what that number is.

"Sometimes you have to find ways to motivate the girls," the coach said. "I don't want her getting nervous about it. It's a realistic goal, so she can get there if she keeps playing hard."

DISTRICT GAME OF THE YEAR - PART II: Nearly a month ago, the first game of the year in 4A District 8 ended in an unfulfilling tie. Wednesday, Hudson gets a second opportunity.

The Cobras (11-2-1, 7-1-1), in the midst of a remarkable two-season turnaround, sit just behind first-place Springstead (10-1-2, 8-1-2) in the district standings and understand the golden opportunity dangling before them

The teams, after finishing in a 0-all tie on Nov. 15, battle Wednesday at Springstead, possibly with the regular-season title on the line. Third-place Gulf (11-5-1, 4-2-1) is also in contention for the league title.

"We haven't really talked about it a lot yet, but the girls know," Hudson coach Christine Rizzieri said. "We know what the ramifications of the Springstead game mean."

After winning just seven games two seasons ago, the Cobras, who finished second in the league standings last year, know a district title is clearly within reach. They have a stellar offense and suffocating defense to thank.

With Alicia Schuering (14 goals, 4 assists), Lindsay Zullo (12 goals, 6 assists) and Jessie Imbimbo (9 shutouts) leading the way, Hudson has outscored its opponents by a whopping 52-12 margin. Still, if the Cobras are to finally leap Springstead en route to a district title, more will be needed.

"To win, defensively we have to keep our shape and mark well," Rizzieri said. "Offensively, we have to find a way to put together good passes to set up our forwards for scoring chances.

"Getting behind their defense is what it's all about."

QUICK KICKS: Wiregrass Ranch sophomore Kelsey Brown continues to lead the state in saves with 165. The Bulls may be only 3-10-2, but the blame can't be put on Brown. In nine of those losses and one tie, Wiregrass Ranch has failed to score. ... Mitchell (8-3-1), the district's only 6A school, continues to hold it's own in District 7 play thanks to a trio of scoring threats. Sophomore's Marisa Russo and Shelby Wright each have 11 goals, while senior Morgan Schellenberger has added 10. ... Talk about feast or famine, seven of Pasco's 11 games this season have included a shutout. The Pirates (6-5-0) have won four of them, including back-to-back victories last week by a combined 10-0.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT