Boys soccer: Wolves come up short

LITHIA - The Cardiac Kids couldn't do it again.

Despite controlling more possession and creating more chances, Newsome's hope of making its first final four appearance was dashed by an Auburndale side that took advantage of its opportunities to earn a 3-2 victory Friday night at Newsome Stadium.

"The opportunities were tremendous," Wolves coach Neal Rickmers said. "We had so many well-created opportunities, and then the throws, I mean how many throws did we have, 30? We just couldn't get one in the net."

The Wolves took the lead in the third minute, Skylar Wilks heading home Patrick Hacker's corner kick, but Auburndale responded strongly, forcing a pair of good saves from Jaime Shepherd. That pressure told in the 11th minute as Tyler Sample was put through on the right side of the penalty area and fired home into the left corner of the net.

From then on, though, the Wolves took control, passing the ball more fluidly than their more highly regarded opponents. Harold Gussman had a shot from the left side of the penalty area saved, then Steven Gonzalez won a penalty after weaving through three Bloodhounds in the penalty area before being brought down.

Joey Perfetto stepped up to take the kick, but his shot was denied as Courtney Smith appeared to read Perfetto and went to his right to make the save.

That didn't deter the Wolves, though, and they continued to carry the play in the second half. But for all of their possession the Wolves were unable to find a way to retake the lead. Auburndale, ranked No. 46 in the nation by ESPN Rise, made Newsome pay in the 58th minute as Mads Christensen won possession 35 yards from goal and made a run into the penalty area, threading his shot past a pair of defenders into the net.

Newsome thought it had tied the game shortly after, but Gussman's goal was ruled out for offside after a long throw-in by Perfetto was flicked on at the edge of the penalty area, putting Gussman in an offside position before he received the ball.

The Bloodhounds added a third goal through Bruno Da Silva in the 70th minute. That proved crucial as the Wolves won a second penalty in the 74th minute, with Perfetto converting. That made the Wolves push even harder, with Carlos Galeano having his header from a corner saved by Smith.

But unlike on Tuesday night, when the Wolves rallied from a 3-1 deficit to defeat Plant City in overtime, they couldn't find a way to find an equalizer.

Auburndale coach Guy Jennings gave Newsome credit after the game, saying he thought his side was fortunate to be moving on.

"No doubt about it," Jennings said. "Got to give them credit ... They put a lot of pressure on us, they're dangerous with their throw-ins, and that's what made it difficult for us, they're used to playing on a small field and they made the most of it for sure."

The Wolves, who were in the region playoffs for the first time, should have the opportunity to build on this season. While players like Galeano, Gonzalez and Shepherd will be moving on, the Wolves will have a talented group returning next season. Rickmers said he was very proud of all his side had accomplished this season.

"They're the Cardiac Kids, they love doing this last-minute stuff, they've got tremendous heart," Rickmers said. "Against Plant City, they didn't give up, being down 3-1 against a side as good as they are, it was just unfortunate we couldn't do it again tonight, but again, I think we played a great side, we got some tough calls, but overall I'm so proud of them because this is school history.

"We wish we had got one more game and got to the UT site, but it is what it is, and we'll come back next year and do it again."