Crystal River keeps celebration under wraps

Pirates lock up a spot in regionals, beating rival Lecanto 3-1.

By BRIAN SUMERS
Published January 26, 2006

OCALA - With his team nearing a district tournament title for the first time in recent history, Crystal River coach Steve Ekeli has nearly silenced his players.

The Pirates are under something of a gag order.

They cannot speak to reporters without his permission, and they can't - under any circumstances - publicly celebrate a win.

So when they beat Lecanto 3-1 on Wednesday night to advance to the district final, they hardly lifted a fist in triumph.

Their coach wouldn't allow it.

"I want you to be professionals," Ekeli shouted to his bench as the minutes ticked away.

But even Ekeli knew this was a big win. It guaranteed the Pirates a spot in the region quarterfinals, even if they don't win the district title Friday night.

"I'm real proud," Ekeli said. "It's been a year of firsts for us."

His players wanted this game and it showed. Goalkeeper Cody Shaffer played despite a stomach virus, attending school Wednesday for one period so he would be eligible for the game. He threw up three times near the net - twice in the first half and once in the second - but still saved seven of eight shots on goal.

"There was no way he wasn't going to play in this game," Ekeli said.

Junior forward Chris Dobson threw up twice during halftime, but for a different reason. Though the Pirates (10-4-5) held a 2-0 lead - he scored both goals - Dobson said he remained nervous.

But Jonathan Livesay calmed Dobson's nerves, scoring five minutes into the second half.

Lecanto (7-5-2) played with urgency in the second half, but scored just once as senior Todd Maloney beat Shaffer in the 22nd minute.

Though his teammates were calm as they filed off the field, Dobson said Ekeli likely would allow his team a little emotion as it rode back to Citrus County.

After ending the season of their county rival and ensuring themselves a trip to the state playoffs, the Pirates deserve a little glory.

"We try not to rub it in," Dobson said. "We'll save the celebrating from the bus ride home. We try to act like we've been here before.

[Last modified January 26, 2006, 01:02:16]