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Late Goal Lifts Berkeley Prep

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By BILL WARD

wward@tampatrib.com

Published: January 14, 2009

TAMPA - Berkeley Prep scored a late goal to beat host Tampa Catholic 2-1 on Tuesday night in a preview of what could be one of the key matches in the Class 3A-District 9 boys soccer tournament this month.

The winning goal came with just less than four minutes to play, a goal slotted home to the far post from 12 yards out by freshman midfielder Kevin Harvey. The cross for that score came from standout senior forward J.D. Post, who had the game's opening goal and his 12th of the season in the 17th minute.

In the time between the goals by Harvey and Post, the Buccaneers, the district's No. 1 seed with a 4-0 league mark and a stellar 18-1-1 overall record, had trouble finding the rhythm that had allowed them to score 72 goals entering Tuesday's match.

"We've been struggling lately putting the ball in the back of the net," third-year Berkeley coach Tim Cooper said. "But I was proud of the guys for coming back and scoring after giving up a goal that tied the game. That's the sort of thing we're going to have to do in the district tournament against tough teams like this."

Not surprising, Tampa Catholic's equalizer came from striker Andrew Buckley, who knocked in his county-leading 23rd goal of the season on an assist from Matt Moore in the 48th minute.

With the Crusaders (8-6-3, 1-2-1) pushing forward in the second half and finally putting some serious pressure on the Bucs' defense and goalie Alex Jenkins, it was a deserved score.

But with playmakers such as Post and midfielders Eri Jacobs and Joey Rosati, who have combined for 34 assists this season, it's not surprising Harvey came up with his seventh goal for the Bucs, who are receiving state and national recognition in the polls.

"We're going to be in games like this again," said Cooper, who last season led the Bucs to the regional finals. "It's only going to get tougher to score, and the guys know that.

Reporter Bill Ward can be reached at (813) 259-7456.

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