Boys soccer: Wildcats avenge losses

Academy at the Lakes picks the right time for a victory against Hernando Christian.

By By Chris Wagenheim
Published January 23, 2008

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SHADY HILLS - Just minutes before the second District 2A-9 playoff game was canceled because of lightning Tuesday, Academy at the Lakes narrowly defeated Hernando Christian, a team it had lost to three times during the regular season.

"They weren't blowouts; they were close games," coach Don Bellefeuille said. "And to be honest with you, we have not had our whole team together until recently ... with injuries and all."

It took two overtime periods and two rounds of penalty kicks to decide the winner. Academy at the Lakes left the pitch at half down 1-0 but drew even in the 53rd minute, when Jason Pitcarin got his head on a deflected Trace Waters shot on goal.

"I just told the guys to focus and concentrate and calm down a little bit," assistant coach Deep DeChoudhury said. "It was the first playoff game for a lot of them so I understood."

Although Academy at the Lakes was outshot 9-3 in the second half, each team got off only one shot each during overtime. The first five kickers came out all square during the first round of penalty kicks so it was up to the second line.

Academy's Max Chirvits scored on his kick, Hernando's Kevin Herbert scored and then Pitcarin did the same. Hernando's Cole Berstrom missed his shot wide right, effectively conceding the game to Academy.

"I don't think it's a great way to end a game," Bellefeuille said. "Two teams played their heart out out there; who deserves to go on? I don't know, but when you get to penalty kicks, at this level, it's a lot of luck."

The Bishop McLaughlin-Carrollwood Day School semifinal will be rescheduled.