TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Tampa Prep Falls In Class 2A Semifinal

ADVERTISEMENT

By JARRETT GUTHRIE

Tribune correspondent

Published: February 12, 2009

TAMPA - After 100 minutes, someone has to win in high school soccer. Last season in the Class 2A state championship match, Tampa Prep and Delray Beach American Heritage's girls played to a tie through regulation and two 10-minute overtimes before the Terrapins won on penalty kicks.

This season in the 2A state semifinal, the Stallions tied the match on a Tatiana Panagos goal late in the second half and things went American Heritage's way as it defeated Tampa Prep 2-1, outshooting the Terrapins 4-2 in penalty kicks.

The game was played at the University of Tampa's Pepin Field.

In the penalty kick round, the Stallions (20-3) went 4-for-4 with Panagos, Lauren Silver, Danielle Marra and Miranda Fyfe all drilling balls into the back of the net; Paige Goodwin and Isabel Dalence scored for the Terrapins.

"When you play 100 minutes of soccer PKs is not the way you want it to go," Terrapins coach Pam Smith said. "We took it last year and you can't blame them for this year."

In the 33rd minute, Taylor Richardson sent in a left-footed shot to the far post to give Tampa Prep (17-4-3) a 1-0 lead. Richardson said she felt a big weight had been lifted after notching the match's first goal adding that she believed the Terrapins' defense could hold off the Stallions' relentless attack.

"Before the game I said that somebody had to get the first goal for us early," Richardson said. "I knew the game could go either way, but that was a great relief."

After the match's first goal in the 33rd minute, the Terrapins' defense stayed strong as the Stallions dominated possession and aggressively pounded away at a young Tampa Prep defense that seemed unable to be broken.

However, with slightly more than 90 seconds remaining in regulation, a scramble in the box led to Terrapins goalkeeper Jordan Hatton being forced out of position. Tampa Prep's defense was unable to clear the ball, which ended at the feet of Penagos.

The Terrapins' defense responded and again stepped up for overtime as the Stallions peppered six shots (three on goal) but Hatton stayed strong along with great saves by Amber Miller and Gabby Cook. Richardson said after the match she was proud of her team's play and said the defense was outstanding for her team.

"I could not be more proud of our defense," Richardson said. "The heart they had ... it was a great effort."

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT