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Sickles Springs Surprise Win

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By NICHOLAS J.E. MURRAY nmurray@tampatrib.com

The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 21, 2008

TAMPA - - Sickles took advantage of two moments of hesitant defending by Tampa Prep, and recorded a surprise 2-0 win on the opening day of the High School Invitational Tournament at the Ed Radice Sports Complex.

Tampa Prep opened the better of the two sides, the Terrapins' Evan Harmony saw a shot from 30 yards out flash over the crossbar, but Sickles took the lead midway through the first half. After a short free kick on the right, Boris Simeunovic's cross was met by Gonzalo Aguirre, who had edged in front of his defender, to flick the ball into the left corner of the net.

"This is the first game this season that we have been able to capitalize on any mistakes in the back," Sickles coach Tony Calvo said. "I've been telling these guys year-round, 'guys, you have to attack on these mistakes.' Great team, Tampa Prep, great players, but today I think the better team won, even though they did dominate the first half, I think we came out in the second half and had some desire to win this game."

Tampa Prep had its chances to draw level, Wes Sever scuffed a shot wide in the first half as other opportunities fell by the wayside. For Terrapins coach Doug Smith, the game was a frustrating one.

"That's the way soccer is sometimes," Smith said. "We've just had trouble putting the ball in the back of the net. We certainly created the opportunities, but we just haven't finished. It's just attention to detail at both ends, up front and at the back, but those things can hopefully be corrected."

While Tampa Prep lapsed defensively, Sickles didn't thanks to goalkeeper Brandon Stout, who was critical to the Gryphons' win. Stout made 12 saves, most while Sickles held only a 1-0 lead. The shutout was his fifth of the season.

Simeunovic gave the Gryphons a two-goal cushion late as he beat his marker and the goalkeeper to a long throw-in, angling his shot into the vacant net. Matta also went close late on a counterattack as the Terrapins threw more players into attack to try to salvage a draw.

Berkeley Prep opened the tournament with a 3-0 win against Tallahassee Chiles, as J.D. Post, Eri Jacobs and Kevin Harvey found the net for the Bucs.

"I think we came out a little nervous; it's a great tournament with some big teams," Berkeley Prep coach Tim Cooper said. "We got a couple of goals early, and I thought that settled us down a little bit. They gave us a good test."

Jesuit opened the tournament by defeating Durant 2-1. The Tigers took the lead through Steve Gussman, but Cecil Clarke pulled the Cougars even before halftime.

Cory Anderson retook the lead for the Tigers with a curling free kick from 25 yards out as the Tigers adjusted to try to control Clarke and the Cougars attack.

"I thought in the second half our defense clamped down on them," Jesuit coach Bob Bauman said. "Clarke scored a heck of a goal to tie the game for them. In the second half we played a better possession game, but they were a very good team."

Durant coach Jamin Hollinsworth said he thought the way Jesuit was able to win possession in midfield was the key to the Tigers' success.

"They're a good team, and they won a lot of ball in midfield," Hollingsworth said. "Once we settled down it was pretty even. I felt pretty good at halftime when it was 1-1, but they scored on a free kick pretty early in the second half, and they probably deserved to win."

Jesuit will face Mitchell first on Monday, with a game against Tallahassee Lincoln, which beat the Mustangs 3-1 on Saturday, to follow. Bauman said he doesn't think his team will overlook the Mustangs.

"We don't even look past the next one," he said. "In the tournament we played at Seminole, we didn't look past the first game, and that's what's special about this group. They're focused on the next opponent."

Hollingsworth said that while the loss was disappointing, the Cougars still had a lot to play for Monday.

"I told the boys obviously we want to win the tournament, but our main goal was to get first or second so we could advance to Tuesday, and that's still wide open for us," Hollingsworth said. "We want to get five quality games in this tournament, and two wins on Monday gets us that."

Wharton opened the tournament with a 2-1 win against Lake Mary, Glenn Duffy giving the Wildcats a lead before an own goal brought Lake Mary level. Matt Noble scored from the penalty spot to give the Wildcats three points, putting them tied at the top of their pool with Niceville, which beat Tampa Catholic 1-0.

"This tournament's going to be good for us with the competition, make us stronger for the playoffs," Wharton coach Scott Ware said. "Coming out to a bigger field, I think we adapted well early enough, that was pleasing to see. Duffy was a bright spot for us up front, he really showed what he's capable of."

Elsewhere, Leto got goals from Jorge Chinios, Hugo Ramos and Cesar Camino as the Falcons beat Alonso 3-1. They will face Land O' Lakes on Monday in a game that should decide who advances to the tournament semifinals Tuesday. The Gators convincingly defeated Seminole 6-0 in their opening game.

Nicholas J.E. Murray can be reached at (813) 259-8243.

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