Cowboys take charge

Gaither's potent offense is too much for Plant City.

By TERRY JONES
Published February 3, 2006

PLANT CITY - Gaither's speed and offensive aggressiveness was too much for the injury plagued Plant City Raiders, during their region quarterfinal match.

The Cowboys scored early and tacked on three more goals for a 4-0 victory and a berth in Tuesday's region semifinals.

In the first three minutes, Eddie Ababio took the ball though the Raiders' back line and blasted it around the outstretched arms of Plant City goalkeeper K.C. Keller for a 1-0 lead.

"It wasn't pretty, but it was need win," Gaither coach Eric Sims said. "It is difficult to play on such a small field with so much wind. We tried to get the ball into their half and into the box, then play a little soccer. We will work on finishing our chances before next Tuesday, especially the easy ones."

The Cowboys produced nine shots on goal and stayed on Plant City's half of the field most of the match. The Raiders managed only two shots, including a penalty kick.

Senior keeper Antonio Cotroneo stopped both shots. On the penalty kick by Johnathin Dupree, Cotroneo guessed right and trapped the shot to his right, not allowing a rebound.

Trent Anderson headed the ball in from the center of the net for the second goal for the Cowboys off a throw-in by Ryan Henriquez.

Kory Kubly scored the third goal at the 28 minute mark in the first half with Joe Lopez recording the assist. Mitchell Middlekauff scored the final goal from 10 yards to the left, as Kubly got the assist.

[Last modified February 3, 2006, 01:25:14]