TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Boys Soccer: Tampa Prep Late Goal Is Enough

ADVERTISEMENT

By RICK HARMON

Tribune correspondent

Published: December 10, 2008

SPRING HILL - As the Tampa Prep players walked off the field Tuesday night, they were heard saying it was the worst game the Terrapins had played all season.

But don't tell the Bishop McLaughlin players that. The Hurricanes came within one minute of tying the unbeaten Terrapins in what could be a preview of the Class 2A-Region 3 semifinals.

"We're just trying to find out who we are," said Bishop McLaughlin coach John Mayer. "You put teams like Tampa Prep on your schedule to see who you are. We grew up a lot tonight."

Pablo Calvino's goal in the 79th minute gave Tampa Prep the 1-0 win. The goal came off a corner kick and a mad scramble in front of Hurricanes keeper Diego Pestana.

The Terrapins (6-0-1) outshot Bishop McLaughlin 23-5 and had many scoring chances. But Pestana, making his first start in goal this season, kept the Hurricanes in the game with many point-blank saves.

Pestana was the Hurricanes No. 1 keeper last season, compiling a 5-5-6 record and a 1.17 goals-against average. This year, Mayer had been playing Pestana at forward and he is the second-leading scorer on the team with three goals and two assists.

Mayer now has a decision to make in goal.

"[Pestana] really wanted to play this game," Mayer said. "Now we have some decisions to make. It's all part of figuring out who we are and what we have to do. We're OK in districts but we know we want to get farther than that."

Playing in District 9, the Hurricanes are 3-0 with wins against Carrollwood Day (2) and Academy at the Lakes. Hernando Christian is the other member of District 9.

While Mayer was pleased with his team's performance, if Tampa Prep had converted on its scoring chances, the score wouldn't have been close. Pestana recorded 12 saves and the Terrapins had numerous shots either hit the crossbar or just miss wide.

"We couldn't find the net. That's the way soccer is sometimes," Tampa Prep coach Doug Smith said. "We've all been on both sides of this. You could be the only team that has five shots but you score the goal. [Bishop McLaughlin] had a couple chances at the end and that could have happen.

"We were fortunate to come out with a win. They played us well."

Tampa Prep 0-1—1
Bishop McLaughlin 0-0—0

Goal—Calvino. Shots—TP 23, BM 5. Saves—Goldsberry (TP) 2, Pestana (BM) 12. Records—TP 6-0-1, BM 4-3.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT