- November 25, 2024
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Everything was in place for Flagler Palm Coast girls soccer coach Pete Hald to pick up career win No. 350 on Wednesday night, but a defensive-minded University ruined the party.
The Lady Bulldogs and the Lady Titans battled to a 0-0 in a District 2-5A matchup at a windy Sal Campanella Memorial Stadium. (FPC played Oviedo Hagerty on Friday night, but the score was too late to make print. For results, go to www.PalmCoastObserver.com.)
FPC (4-0-2, 2-0-1 District 2-5A) came into the game in first place in the district after defeating Spruce Creek 5-0 on Nov. 9.
“I knew it was going to be a battle ... but there’s no doubt in my mind we’re the better team,” Hald said after the game.
From the opening kickoff, University appeared content with packing in the defense and trying to capitalize on counterattack opportunities. For most of the game, the Lady Titans used only one forward.
Playing against the wind in the first half, FPC whipped several balls into the box but failed to get on the end, including a golden opportunity off a corner kick when the ball fell into the box but freshman Amanda Raleigh couldn’t finish.
FPC had the better part of the possession throughout the game, but University was able to create some goal-scoring opportunities off the counterattack. About midway through the first half, University clanked a shot off the crossbar.
The second half was more of the same, as FPC controlled the ball in the midfield and tried to score on corner kicks and long throw-ins.
But after 80 minutes, the deadlock remained.
Hald said his team played “extremely well” in the first half going against the wind.
“They were back on their heels,” Hald said, of University. “We had them right where we wanted them, but we just didn’t take advantage of it.”
FPC finished the game with 13 shots (six on target) compared to University’s six (three on target). The Lady Bulldogs also had five corners; University had one.
“I think we have to get better at the set pieces — the corner kicks have to be a little better.” Hald said. “We need to capitalize on the long throw-ins.”
Earlier this season, Hald said his back four defenders — which features four new starters — would be one of the team’s strengths. So far, so good, as FPC has outscored its opponents 26-1 this season.
After Wednesday’s game, he said he wants to see his team get the ball to Cara Warren and Josie Davis — the two outside midfielders.
“We didn’t use the outside midfielders as much as I wanted to,” he said. “The first half, they were very dangerous and ... that’s where I think we’re really strong, so we have to be able to find (Warren and Davis).”
Although there is still a lot of soccer left to be played, Hald is already planning for district seeding. Of course, being the No. 1 seed would be ideal, Hald said, which likely would mean FPC would draw DeLand in the semifinals while University and Spruce Creek battle it out in the other semifinal game.
But, being the top seed and getting home field advantage hasn’t always worked out for Hald and his teams. Each of the last two seasons, FPC was the No. 1 seed in the district tournament but lost at home to Spruce Creek in the championship.
Last season, not including a state playoff loss in penalty kicks to Fletcher, FPC lost three games — all three at home.
“I don’t mind wherever I am (in the district seeding), and to be quite honest, I can’t win on my field,” he said. “I do want to have home field advantage, don’t get me wrong, but if I don’t, it’s not going to hurt my feelings.”
One thing is for sure, though: Hald will have to win No. 350 before any of that happens.
