Against a stingy Tampa Prep defense, Berkeley scores four goals, three by Scott Strickland.
By AARON THOMAS
Published February 7, 2004
ST. PETERSBURG - Scott Strickland scored three goals and led Berkeley Prep to a 4-1 victory over Tampa Prep (20-5-2) Friday. The win clinched the 2A-8 title for the Buccaneers (23-1-1).
The Buccaneers dominated the first half. Ball control and shots on goal were key as the offense maintained possession in Terps' territory for most of the half.
By the break, they had outshot the Terps 17-3.
The Buccaneers scored first on a corner kick which set up Thomas Biddenger's goal with 18:11 left in the first half. The goal was the first allowed by the Tampa Prep defense in eight games.
A clearing pass by Berkeley Prep deep in their own territory set up Strickland's first goal with 11:35 left in the half.
"That has really been our forte all season long," Berkeley Prep coach Dave Zimmerman said. "Scott lit it up tonight and he's been on fire. We have a very high potent offense. We have the ability to score at any time of the game."
Strickland completed the hat trick with two more goals in the second half and lifted Berkeley Prep to a 4-0 lead.
The Terps took advantage of inconsistent play from the Berkeley Prep offense.
Justin Buchanan, on a penalty kick, scored Tampa Prep's goal.
"We put a few more combinations and made some changes at mid-field," Terps coach Jose DaCosta said.
"We weren't creating many opportunities at mid-field. We needed to have heart and keep working and give a little more possessions to our forwards."
