New Orleans Jesuit arrived at the High School Soccer Classic with high expectations.
On Tuesday night, the Blue Jays put themselves one win away from fulfilling their goal as they defeated Countryside 2-0 at the Ed Radice Sports Complex, setting up today's final with defending Florida Class 6A champion Melbourne.
"This was one of our major goals of the season," Blue Jays coach Hubie Collins said. "We knew we were coming to this event four months ago, before our season began, so our players had been focused on it."
The Blue Jays' victory could have been put away early, but they squandered numerous chances to take the lead in the first 20 minutes. They broke through in the 29th minute, with a 25-yard strike from Steven Cabos putting the Blue Jays in front.
Countryside, which defeated Palm Harbor 3-2 in the quarterfinals, almost made Jesuit pay for its misses when a sweeping pass from Mike Lion found Zack Shriver unmarked on the left, but Shriver shot wide.
"Nine times out of 10, Shriver finishes that ball, he's a solid player," Countryside assistant coach Colby Beckman said. "Unfortunately tonight just wasn't right for us, it wasn't our night."
Jesuit's Patrick Culotta scored from close range with four minutes to go to end the Cougars' hopes, sending the Blue Jays through.
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