Boys 2A soccer: Baumann scores three as Tampa Prep cruises

By Martin Bater
Published February 6, 2008

TAMPA - Tampa Prep was at home and had forward Anthony Baumann, who scored three goals, and that was enough to defeat Calvary Christian 5-1 Tuesday in a Class 2A regional semifinal.

Prep (23-2-1) dominated in the first half. In the 14th minute, a low cross by forward Wes Sever found midfielder Jake Peterson to open the scoring.

The pace slowed, but not for long, as Baumann put things away in the second half.

As the Warriors (16-6-2) seemed to become more aggressive, Baumann became the center of Tampa Prep's offense. Every offensive possession went through him, and the Terrapins scored three goals between the 54th and the 59th minutes.

"It's playoff time and the team needs me to step up. This is as good a time to be in 'the zone' as any," Baumann said.

Whether it's homefield advantage, being defending state champions or both, the Terrapins have inspired tremendous respect from opponents throughout the playoffs. The Warriors' strategy was to defend with as many people as possible and let forward Greg McClimans, who scored their goal in the 77th minute, come up with whatever offense they could muster.

McClimans "is a quick player, he caused us some trouble," Tampa Prep coach Jose DeCosta said.

[Last modified February 5, 2008, 23:18:40]