Jesuit no match for wind or PHU

By JARRETT GUTHRIE
Published January 15, 2006

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TAMPA - A quick, open goal by Palm Harbor University's Matt Stahura in the early minutes of the second half secured a 2-1 win over Jesuit during blustery conditions Saturday.

Adjusting to the winds blowing toward the south saw several balls die in mid air, though much of the first half had both teams trading the ball back and forth at midfield.

"I think we handled the wind well," Jesuit coach Bob Bauman said. But Bauman noted it took some adjusting for his team going against the strong wind in the second half.

Max Venker sent a low, driving shot into the bottom-left corner of the net for the 'Canes' first strike in the 24th minute.

With a 1-0 lead, PHU sat eight starters in the second half. PHU coach Mike Mannino wanted to rest players for the Hurricanes' upcoming district schedule.

"The way kids were getting hit and this game being meaningless before districts and PCACs coming up, we sat a number of (starters)," Mannino said.

Both teams had matches Friday night, with Jesuit defeating Ridge Community 8-0 to give the Tigers a 10-0 record in Class 4A, District 9, and PHU winning 2-1 over Countryside in the Hurricane Watch final.

With Stahura's early second-half goal, the 'Canes looked to be well in control of the match.

"We started the second half and Stahura found himself wide open and he buried it," Mannino said. "He had a great finish with his left foot. Found some space and was wide open."

Santi Alexis scored 15 minutes into the second half for Jesuit's lone goal.

Palm Harbor U. goalkeeper Brent Hileman had nine saves.