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Boys soccer: region finals preview
By Keith Niebuhr
Published February 8, 2008
Class 6A: Alonso (23-6-4) at Ocoee (22-1-3)
The dish: Alonso is trying to reach its second final four. The Ravens advanced last year. Ocoee is in the playoffs for the first time. ...Alonso has outscored opponents 94-39. The Ravens have 12 shutouts. ...All six Alonso losses have come on the road. ...Forwards Julio Perez (30) and Simon Gomez (20) have combined for more than half of the Ravens' goals. Perrez also has 21 assists.
Class 5A: Auburndale (17-6-4) at Wharton (15-5-2)
The dish: Auburndale is in the region finals for the fourth straight year. The Bloodhounds got here by edging rival Lakeland George Jenkins 1-0 Tuesday. ...Wharton's strength is its defense. The Wildcats have allowed 29 goals this season, three in their past six games and none in two playoff matches. ...Forward Robert Sklaver leads Wharton with 14 goals. ...The Wildcats have won seven straight.
Class 5A: Bradenton Southeast (19-6-1) at Jesuit (26-2)
The dish: Jesuit has outscored opponents 108-11. Only three foes have scored more than a goal. ...The Tigers are unbeaten at home and haven't lost a game since Dec. 14. ...Four Tigers have scored 12 or more goals - Ali Van Gurp (22), Arthur Beil (17), Josh Menendez (13) and Keith Sierra (12). Sierra leads the team with 16 assists.
Class 3A: Melbourne Central Catholic (16-2-1) at Berkeley Prep (13-6-7)
The dish: Berkeley Prep is 5-0-1 in its past six games. In those matches, the Buccaneers outscored opponents 26-4. ...Berkeley Prep is 5-2-2 at home. ...Melbourne Central Catholic's two playoff wins have come against teams with losing records. ...Forward T.J. Roehn leads the Bucs with 19 goals.
Class 2A: Tampa Prep (24-2-2) at Bradenton St. Stephen's (17-2-3)
The dish: When the teams played Nov. 14, Tampa Prep won 1-0. ...The Terrapins have outscored opponents 97-18 this season. ...Tampa Prep is 6-0-1 on the road. ...Terrapins forward Wes Sever is among the state's best with 36 goals. According to maxpreps.com, teammate Anthony Baumann is tied for the state lead with 28 assists.
Keith Niebuhr, Times staff writer
[Last modified February 7, 2008, 19:52:24]
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