Photos and Article by Marty Proctor, South Lake Tablet
Saturday, February 18 – The East Ridge High School boys’ soccer team outlasted Boca Raton in a hard-fought 1-0 game. The home game at “The Dungeon” was tightly contested and action filled from the outset. Officials were on edge and held the game in close control. At least two of the top Knights were flagged with yellow cards and play was stopped repeatedly.
The game was hard-fought and competitive throughout. The players held their emotions under control. Defense was the star with keepers making good saves. Outstanding team defense was led by Chase Barth, Caleb Moore and Nick Aquillino.
It was clear that Boca was intent on keeping the scoring leaders of the Knights neutralized. Max Kempany and Amir Taylor were blanketed by defenders the entire game. The team showed its depth and composure with the other players stepping up and keeping the game tied until past midway of the second half. The solidarity was clearly visible as most of the team dyed their hair to celebrate their victory Wednesday advancing to the state semi-finals.
The turning point came after the water break in the second half. The Knights had succeeded in keeping the ball in the forecourt much of the time. This was finally rewarded when Caleb Moore made brilliant inbounds pass behind the Boca defense. Amir Taylor sprinted to the ball at the net. He was subsequently run over by a Boca player. The refs awarded the Knights a penalty kick. Gabriel Perez was selected to make the kick which sailed past the keeper into the net and the stadium burst into cheers.
The Knight’s defense continued to excel. The offense was ignited, pushing the ball hard down the field to help ensure the clock ran out with the score remaining 1-0. The team, fans, and parents all erupted in celebration of making the finals. The decorum was maintained and the Knights showed superb sportsmanship at the end of and after the game.
Newsome defeated Doral Academy in the other semi-final, setting up a Florida state final between Newsome (Lithia) and East Ridge (Clermont).
The final is scheduled for 7 PM Saturday, February 25 at Spec Martin Stadium 260 Euclid Street, Deland, FL.
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Getting them to the State Finals
February 15 – East Ridge Knights boys soccer team won Wednesday night’s Regional Final game 3-0 to advance to the State Final Four.
Wednesday’s game had a slow first half ending with a 0-0 score. The play was highlighted by a couple of good saves by junior keeper Nicolas Aquino who stopped 9 shots on goal during the game. Senior Ethan “E” Loden sums it up, “everyone has each other’s backs and we fight till the end in every game.”
The Knights found their legs and hearts in the second half. Jonathan “Jono” Green had a critical save in an empty net, added an assist and played solid defense. Jono shared, “words don’t describe how proud I am to be a part of a team as passionate as my teammates are about the game of soccer.” MaxPreps awarded the player of the game to Freshman Elijah Cordner who scored two goals with Ethan Loden adding the third.
Senior Chase Barth was also solid on defense using his height to head many balls clear of the goal. Chase explains it this way, “we are a team just having fun and trying to win a state championship out of it.”
East Ridge is hosting this game after solid play all season gave them a slim margin in the FHSAA power ranking over Boca Raton. Senior Miguel Rivera sat the game out but added, “I’m so proud to be part of this team making it to the state finals. Most of them I’ve known since 6th grade growing up with them and seeing our hard work finally pay off, winning the regional final.” Narrowly outranking Boca gave the Knights a vital home-field advantage for Saturday’s game. Getting the home game highlights the importance of every play, every player, and every game during the season.
Senior Max Kempany who led the team in assists wraps up the team excitement, “I’m so proud of our team and grateful that we have been able to fight and advance to the final games of the state tournament.”
A great year. Congratulation to the ERHS Boys’ Soccer team, Coach and Manager!
