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BOYS SOCCER: Hudson, Gulf Battle To 1-1 Tie

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By CLIFF GILL

Tribune correspondent

Published: December 12, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - Friday night's cold weather was matched by cold shooting by both teams, as Class 4A-District 8 rivals Gulf and Hudson settled for a 1-1 tie.

Looking to avenge its only loss this season, Hudson (6-1-2) had only eight shots on goal. With 25:18 remaining in the first half, Hudson sophomore Shane Jones hit a header that slid past goalie Zach Waller.

All-time Cobra scoring leader Scotty Combs (85 career goals) had four shots on goal, but was held scoreless. With the score tied, Combs had an open net opportunity with 7:13 remaining in the second half, but the ball hit the right goal post.

Prior to the game, Cobra coach Paul Vescio was asked what would be the three biggest factors that would would determine the outcome and he answered with one word, "Hustle."

"Whenever we play Gulf, it's like a playoff game," said Vescio. "This is a key district game for both teams and the team that hustles more and wants it more will win."

The Cobras were without their star goalie, Todd Rushing, who already has two shutouts this season to his credit. Rushing received a red card in the previous game and was forced to watch from the sidelines.

Inside the Gulf locker room prior to the game, Buccaneers coach Grant Wortz wrote "Set Pieces" on the board for his players to see.

"Kicks from penalties and errors will be the key," explained Wortz.

The Buccaneers' coach emphasized to take advantage of every opportunity. Gulf is a young team, fielding only four upperclassmen.

With 12:16 remaining in the second half, Gulf's senior foward Matt Jacobs scored on a header in front of the Hudson goal. The Bucanners high scoring duo of Matt Juhnke and Adnan Baset were held scoreless. Much of the credit goes Hudson's Taylor Lamphier, who swarmed the two Buccaneers whenever they touched the ball.

With less than two minutes remaining, both Juhnke and Jacobs had an opportunity to score from short range, but both kicks were wide of the net. The tie dropped Gulf's record to 6-0-3.

Afterwards, both coaches were disappointed with the tie, but congratulated their respective players for their effort. As he walked off the field, Vescio lamented, "We had a great chance to win, but too many penalties and too many missed opportunities did us in," he said.

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