Soccer: Jesuit just too stingy, takes title

By BRANDON WRIGHT, Times Correspondent
Published January 6, 2008

TAMPA - Regardless of offensive output, there is only one way to ensure never losing a match: Don't give up a goal.

Jesuit did just that at the 14th annual Soccer Field Invitational.

The Tigers pitched their fourth shutout in as many days Saturday, defeating Fernandina Beach 1-0 to win the Elite Bracket title in the prestigious tournament at Ed Radice Sports Complex.

Not only did the Tigers (18-2) take the title for the third time in tournament history, they avenged a state semifinal loss last year and handed the Pirates their first loss.

"Last year left a bad taste in our mouth," said Arthur Beil, who scored the lone goal. "We wanted to leave everything out on the field. This was a big revenge game for us."

Play was chippy throughout. Jesuit coach Bob Bauman took a yellow card, and a Pirates player got a red after throwing a punch.

Although much of the play was ugly, Jesuit's goal was beautiful. Midway through the second half, Keith Sierra drove hard down the right flank and crossed into the box. Beil timed his run perfectly, rose in a crowd of players and banged the header home.

Led by defensive MVP Greg Sasser, Jesuit's defense was impressive. Teammate Ali VanGurp earned offensive MVP. The Tigers' Josh Menedez was named to the all-tournament team.

Tampa Prep placed third in the Elite Bracket, and Sickles finished eighth. In the Premier Bracket, Gaither wrapped up third place, Alonso finished sixth, and Freedom placed seventh.

All-tournament team: Tampa Prep's Ryan Griffin and Wes Sever, Alonso's Julio Perez and Nick Hall, Freedom's Deion Jones and Bobby Huertas, Gaither's Brendan Howard and Sickles' Josh Bissen and Gil Davis.

[Last modified January 6, 2008, 00:23:48]