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Berkeley Eliminated On Late Goal

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By CHRIS ERRINGTON, Tribune correspondent

Published: February 9, 2008

TAMPA - With the way Berkeley Prep dictated play during most of Friday's Class 3A-Region 3 title match, it seemed only a matter of time before the Buccaneers earned a trip to Fort Lauderdale for the state semifinals.

Then, with 19 minutes remaining, came disaster.

Melbourne Central Catholic's M.J. McLaughlin's deflection of a loose ball in the box barely squeezed past goalkeeper Alex Jenkins and bounced just close enough to the net that even a desperation foot save by a Buccaneers defender couldn't keep it out, resulting in an own goal. The tally was the difference in a 2-1 Hustlers victory.

"Defensively we were outstanding," Melbourne Central Catholic coach Scott Armstrong said. "The stats are going to be overwhelmingly in Berkeley's favor, but when we get opportunities, we're going to score.

"Defense wins championships. Forwards win games."

Berkeley Prep failed to convert on numerous opportunities throughout a match spent almost entirely in MCC's end. With the game tied at 1, the Buccaneers watched in disbelief as headers sailed over the crossbar, direct kicks sailed just wide and point-blank shots were deflected in front. It took just one Hustlers' 3-on-1 break to prove the worth of the missed opportunities.

Berkeley Prep held a commanding 13-6 edge in shots.

"We got away from what got us here," Berkeley Prep coach Tim Cooper said. "For the past several games, we played as a team. Tonight, we put it on our individual shoulders.

"It's tough to swallow, but give MCC credit. They shut us down."

Brandon Price got MCC on the board first, beating Jenkins 8 minutes in, before T.J. Roehn equalized six minutes later.

Kyle Nichols made 12 saves for the Hustlers, while Jenkins finished with four.

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