Black eye least of Pirates' woes

BROOKSVILLE -- Crystal River and Citrus had a tough time staying focused on Wednesday's Class 2A, District 7 semifinals.

The coaches and players had to be looking forward to a potential Pirates-Hurricanes final today. Citrus beat Lecanto 3-0. Crystal River downed Dunnellon 5-1 but suffered a costly loss in the process.

In the last two minutes, Dunnellon goalie Matt Zaideman took down Crystal River's Josh Caldwell in the box. Dunnellon and the Pirates began wrestling each other to the ground. When the dust settled, the officials handed out four red cards.

Crystal River's second-leading scorer, John Wester (22 goals), and defender Morgan Rise were cited. They will miss at least the final and could be lost for the season.

Florida High School Activities Association rules mandate that any player cited for "gross misconduct" shall be ineligible for six weeks. The Pirates could appeal the suspensions to the FHSAA, but Crystal River officials had yet to decide Thursday whether they would.

"They're pretty much done for the season," Pirates coach Bobby Verlato said Thursday. "We don't know much yet, except we are losing a top scorer and our second stopper."

Crystal River lost senior stopper Brad Deitemeyer to injury two weeks ago. Rise was his replacement.

"With Brad out and now Morgan, we'll have to make do with a third stopper," Verlato said.

Citrus (12-9-4) won't consider the short-handed Pirates vulnerable. Crystal River (13-3-2) has Drew Austin and Caldwell, who have combined to score 48 goals this season.

The Pirates may need more from Kyle Nayfield. He has 17 assists and 11 goals.

"It's like a double-edged sword. We'd like to face them when they're at their strongest," Hurricanes coach Ian Feldt said. "Hey, part of the game is not getting into that situation. My guys are going to come to play regardless."

Citrus had mixed success against the Pirates this season. Crystal River scored late in the first game to tie the 'Canes at 1. The Pirates won the second meeting 5-0.

Citrus will be shorthanded as well.

Midfielder Eddie Warden was in a car accident a few weeks ago. At the time, he was the team's second-leading scorer. He hasn't played in two weeks.

-- Staff writer Carey Freeman contributed to this report.

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