- November 23, 2024
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Seabreeze’s Lady Sandcrabs’ soccer team fell to the PonteVedra Sharks’ attack in double overtime for a 1-0 loss in the 5A state championship semifinals on Friday, Feb. 19.
The Sandcrabs and the Sharks met in a head-to-head battle with the purpose of moving on to the 5A state championship finals. Seabreeze coaches prepared their team with intense training sessions and extensive video coverage of the class 5A number one team, Ponte Vedra, to study their playing style.
The first half showcased both teams’ defensive finesse and intensity, but also highlighted many missed opportunities to score. At halftime, the board remained scoreless as each team convened to refresh strategies.
“We have to be careful with our touches, in the middle of the field, especially," head coach Christine Goebel said. "We cannot hold the ball for too long. We found that out. The person with the ball should not dictate what everyone else does. Everyone else should dictate to that person. Give that person at least two or three options to pass.”
After a second half consisting of 8 steals executed by Sandcrab Andrea Gjoreska and 7 by teammate Emmaline Caputo, the score remained tied and the game went into overtime. The players became more combative during the first OT but the score stayed 0-0 and kicked off a second overtime.
With less than two minutes left on the clock, a play by the Sharks’ right wing left Seabreeze off balance, the defenders out of position and their goalie vulnerable. Ponte Vedra’s Tamlyn Parkes seized the opportunity and kicked the winning goal for the Sharks.
“Our girls did a great job against the number one ranked team and handled it very well,” coach Alex Perez said. “Of course, the girls were sad but are mentally ready for what’s coming next season.”
Seabreeze goalkeeper Avery Dellinger was named "Player of the Game" with 7 saves in her 100 minutes of game time. The Lady Sandcrabs wrapped up the season with an impressive 9-3-2 record.