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Montelongo Satisfied With Career Despite Tough Loss

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By BART O'CONNELL, Tribune correspondent

Published: February 7, 2008

DADE CITY - It didn't seem like the right way for a player as talented as Pasco's Joe Montelongo to end his career.

For four years, the Pirates' forward has been one of the most dominant forces in county soccer, shattering the career-goals record and reaching just about every other benchmark he's set his mind to.

But Tuesday, Montelongo was shut down by the Orlando Bishop Moore defense in a 4-1 loss at W.F. Edwards Stadium that ended the Pirates' (21-6-2) season. The lone goal was scored by Roman Farias.

While Montelongo may not have been satisfied with that result, it's hard not to look back on all he's accomplished and be impressed.

"He's made a big impact not only around here, but in this area," Pasco coach Barry Grayling said. "I don't know if there's a boy in Pasco County near him right now."

And while Pasco suffered its earliest exit in the state playoffs since 2005 (Montelongo's freshman year), overall, he was pleased with his playoff career.

"It was good," Montelongo said. "My sophomore year I went to states. At least I made it to the final four."

Montelongo's 2007-08 season: a school-record 48 goals, 19 assists, and a fourth consecutive trip to the regional semifinals, has to be considered one of the best years for any boys soccer player in county history.

His 143 career goals are 16 more than former Gulf standout Novica Maric, whom he passed for the county record on Dec. 19. Maric held the record for three years; Montelongo believes he'll hold it for at least five.

"Maybe more than that," he said.

The record is clearly important to Montelongo, who said he's been tracking his goals for awhile. He is also aware of the substantial lead he has on the county's active players.

Hudson junior Scotty Combs is second in county scoring the past two years with 66 goals, losing ground to Montelongo's 79.

But Montelongo's next priority is a potential college career. He has spoken with Saint Leo coach Joel Harrison, though no formal offer has been made. With the official recruiting period now under way, it seems likely that he will receive more interest.

Montelongo is one of eight seniors Pasco will lose to graduation. Among the others: defender Ryan Lowery, midfielders Cody and Trent Sumner, and forward Alex Hollander.

Grayling has been high on his junior-varsity program, which was dominant against in-county opponents this season. He is confident that the Pirates will be able to reload and go for a fifth district title in six years, as well as a sixth consecutive appearance in the regional semifinals.

Montelongo also likes their chances.

"In the future we should have a good team here," he said.

Bart O'Connell can be reached at boconnell@pop.tampatrib.com.

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