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A moment bigger than Springstead

County pride hinges on tonight's playoff game.

By DAVID MURPHY
Published January 25, 2007

They have snagged more records than a music store this season, rattling off 20 wins, 13 shutouts and a district title.

But this one, Polo Furlong said, would mean infinitely more.

"This is not just about Springstead anymore," the Eagles coach said. "This is about a county."

In the past 10 years, Hernando County girls soccer teams have won just two state playoff games. No team has ever won more than one. All-time, Central, Hernando and Springstead are a combined 4-12 in the state playoffs. Springstead has never won a state playoff game.

For that reason, members of the other teams in the county traveled to watch Springstead defeat Hudson in the Class 4A, District 8 championship game Friday. And for that reason, they'll flock to the pitch at Springstead High tonight, hoping to see the Eagles knock off a Eustis team whose only loss came in the district championship against Orlando Bishop Moore.

The last two times the Eagles got this far, against Citrus in 2001 and against Tarpon Springs in 2004, they were shut out. To avoid defeat this time, they'll have to slow down a freshman phenom named Tonia Hardin (45 goals) and get balls past a goalkeeper who has recorded 13 shutouts.

Still, there is hope.

"We've broken a lot of records this year," Furlong said. "One more would be excellent."

Fast Facts:

Class 4A Region Quarterfinals

Who: Springstead (20-4-1) vs. Eustis (15-1-5)

When: Tonight, 7

Where: Springstead High

Springstead facts: The Eagles are paced by senior forward Angela Passafaro, who leads the team with 25 goals and 16 assists. Springstead brings a lot of experience to the table. Senior Nikki Faulkner has 12 goals and 10 assists. Five Eagles have at least five goals this season.

Eustis facts: Freshman Tania Hardin set a school record with 45 goals. Eustis went undefeated in the regular season for the first time. Keeper Alyssa Sapp set a school record with 13 shutouts.

What's next: The winner faces St. Augustine (19-5-1) or Belleview (24-1).

[Last modified January 24, 2007, 22:48:32]