Boys soccer: LOL blanks River Ridge again

NEW PORT RICHEY - Though sloppy at times Friday, Land O'Lakes picked up where it left off.

Having not played in more than three weeks, the Gators beat River Ridge 4-0 on Friday night in a district matchup. The last meeting between the two didn't end well for the Royal Knights (12-3-1) either.

"Coming in, we felt we were better than 6-0, which happened (Dec. 13)," River Ridge coach Mike McHugh said. "Yes, (the Gators) played well, but we gift-wrapped three goals for them tonight."

The Gators (15-1) took the lead quickly when forward Andy Garcia put away a diving header on an assist from fellow forward Miguel Laliberte in the ninth minute. Ten minutes later, Laliberte added a goal after River Ridge's goalie misplayed it, while in the 29th minute, Justin Lyles was awarded a penalty kick after a hand ball in the box.

Garcia added his second goal of the the night in the 48th minute. However, Gators coach Mark Pearson thought his team should have had more on the board.

"We were sloppy and erratic, but that happens when you only get in one practice during the break," said Pearson, who is in his 14th season with the Gators.

"From here, we need to practice on putting the ball in the back of the net. We're leaving too many on the field. We need to focus on finishing and put the games away a little earlier."

Despite not finishing, the Gators are still winning in dominating fashion. They've outscored opponents this season 75-3, and their only loss came during an emotionally drained effort against Tampa Prep. Pearson wasn't pleased then, nor with a mediocre effort Friday, but still thinks highly of his two forwards, Garcia and Laliberte.

"They move well not only off the ball, but to the ball," Pearson said. "They give us options, as well as giving opportunities every chance they, or we, touch the ball. We have so many opportunities, but I wish we did more with them more of the time."

Though two of the three losses for Royal Knights have been at the hands of the Gators while being outscored 10-0, McHugh and company are optimistic to see Land O'Lakes again, especially when they host the 4A-8 district tournament beginning Jan. 24.

"Tonight wasn't our night," McHugh said. "It might not have been there's either, because we should've had some goals, and they probably should have had some more. They've got good stuff - they really are a good team.

"We've got a district game left that we need to win. That way we stay out of the same bracket at Land O'Lakes. We want to see them in the district final, not the semifinals."