Citrus is entering unknown territory

Familiarity with your opponent is supposed to be a good thing.

But in Citrus' case, coach Ian Feldt is glad his team knows little about Land O'Lakes, whom the Hurricanes play tonight on the road in a region quarterfinal. "We don't have a scouting report, but hopefully it will be to our advantage," Feldt said. "It won't enable the kids to psyche themselves out. They don't know what to expect, so I think they're going to be up for it."

Citrus (12-10-4) enters having won two of three, with the loss (5-1) coming to Crystal River in the final of the District 7 tournament. The 'Canes played the Pirates to a 1-1 first-half tie, but crumbled in the second half.

"I'm fairly happy with the way we're playing," Feldt said. "We're definitely playing better than we were at the beginning of the season.

"Now, it's just a matter of them bringing it all together, coming out intense and being willing to run for 90 minutes. We know we're capable of playing with them."

Citrus knows this because it tied Gulf two weeks ago, and the Buccaneers lost to Land O'Lakes 3-2 in overtime in the District 8 final.

The Hurricanes' tie with Gulf is all the more the impressive when you consider they lost a player to a red card in the first 15 minutes and played the remainder of the game one man down.

"That gives us hope," Feldt said.

Land O'Lakes (13-6-4) is well-balanced.

The Gators' offense is led by forward Eric Martin (11 goals, 9 assists). The top defender is J.P. Rodrigues. Keeper Kyle Boerner has six shutouts and allows 1.11 goals per game.

Citrus is sparked by forward Alex Posta (29 goals, 15 assists). Defender Chris Barton has been steady on both ends of the field, and forward Ryan Epple is playing well.

"Alex and Chris are always our big guys," Feldt said. "Alex is our Atlas. He carries us all the time.

"We're not the most technical team, but the kids have a lot of character and we have a lot of guys that will win at all costs."

CITRUS AT LAND O'LAKES

WHEN: Tonight, 7:30.

WINNER PLAYS: Orlando Bishop Moore-St. Augustine Nease winner Tuesday.

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