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Preps

Bloomingdale prepares for keeper's absence

4A-5 BOYS: The Bulls grab a 2-0 win and the title, holding Gaither's shots to a minimum.

By ANTHONY GAGLIANO
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 8, 2003

TAMPA -- Bloomingdale didn't have much use for goalkeeper Chris Sedlack on Friday in the district final. It's a feeling the Bulls will have to get used to.

Gaither had opportunities to unseat Bloomingdale (18-1-1), but the Cowboys couldn't get many shots on goal as the Bulls won 2-0.

"We've been working on that because Sedlack is not going to be here next week," Bloomingdale coach Sam Isajar said. "We're definitely working on having the ball away from the goalie and keeping the ball down.

"He's going to Brazil next week with the national team for 10 days. We're going to have to put someone else there. That's why we've practicing keeping it away from the 18-yard (box)."

The Cowboys (11-9-3) had a pair of chances to score first but failed to make Sedlack flinch.

In the 13th minute, Tony Barekat fed midfielder Trevor Scott streaking into the box on the left side, but Scott's shot hit the side of the net. Junior Richard Jackson had a golden opportunity in the 17th minute as he gathered the ball open on the right side. Jackson turned to shoot but instead passed the ball harmlessly through the box.

"We had opportunities," Gaither coach Eric Sims said. "We just didn't finish. A couple lucky bounces here and there, and it's a different ballgame."

The Bulls capitalized from there, drawing a penalty kick with 12 minutes remaining in the half. Alex Muniz glided the ball past Cowboys keeper James Cobb for the game's first goal.

Less than three minutes later, Gaither received more bad news when senior defender Joshua Smith was sent off with his second yellow card, forcing Sims to alter the lineup.

"With the two yellow cards to Smith, obviously we had to move our biggest offensive threat back," Sims said. "That takes away from our whole game plan. We had to change everything we do.

"It's tough for any player (to focus) with a questionable call and then their leader done for the game. It's definitely something to battle back from.

"It was a pretty hard-fought game, and I think it'll be interesting if we play them again."

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