Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
© St. Petersburg Times, published December 12, 2002
CRYSTAL RIVER -- In the teams' Nov. 20 meeting, Crystal River easily defeated Citrus 3-1.
But on Wednesday in a 1-0 win, the Hurricanes got all the offense they needed 10 minutes into the game on junior forward Chris Gatto's fifth goal of the season.
"It was a nice pass from Matt Steelfox to set me up," Gatto said. "I was open so I took the shot."
Citrus coach Andrew Castorina liked the intensity his team showed in avenging the earlier loss. He said Citrus is improving its control of the ball at midfield, giving credit to sophomores Daniel Dorn and Joe Romano.
"The major difference between now and the beginning of the season is the midfield level, they've stepped up," Castorina said. "Defense kept us in again today."
Keeper David Mazoli played an aggressive game in a rare start with 10 saves on 14 shots on goal. Crystal River had several good looks in the second half.
Crystal River coach Bobby Verlato called the game a devastating loss. After starting the season 5-0, the Pirates have lost their last two to Citrus County teams.
INVERNESS -- After a slow start, Citrus is hitting its stride. Seven players scored as the Hurricanes (5-2-2) defeated Crystal River 9-1 for their third straight win.
Junior forward Jenny Floyd and freshman midfielder Marcy Mills each scored twice. Other Citrus goals came from Whitney Gelin, Kallie Grimes, Mettina Maggiore, Jenny Nelson and Sonya Segars. The Hurricanes outshot Crystal River 21-3.
Eleshia Young scored for the Pirates (2-4-1).
-- KEITH NIEBUHR