Berkeley Prep boys soccer coach Tim Cooper knew the way his team would be viewed with seven regular-season losses. For him and his Buccaneers players, a little bit of underestimating suited them just fine.
"I planned the schedule I wanted to have, and seven losses may seem like a lot," Cooper said. "But I'll put our schedule up against anyone, and that's why we are here right now."
"Here" is advancing to the Class 2A state final four after Berkeley Prep (18-7-2) defeated host West Palm Beach King's Academy, 2-0, Wednesday night in the Class 2A-Region 3 final.
The Buccaneers scored in the 12th minute when senior Kevin Harvey put a long pass into the box, finding 6-foot-4 defender Justin Vogel, who flicked in the decider.
In the final 10 minutes of the half, the Lions fired a ball off the crossbar and Cameron Kenny and Quinton Kauchick had to make consecutive saves at the goal line.
The Buccaneers changed strategy in the second half to regain control, dropping Harvey to midfield. The plan worked, but it didn't translate into goals until the 71st minute. With time running out, Berkeley added insurance when a pass from Daniel Felman found Tyler Sacone on the left side and the junior buried the goal from inside the box.
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