Local Sports

Bulldogs slip past Green Dragons

Photos

Mark Pinson | Highlands Today
Published: December 20, 2012

LAKE PLACID - The DeSoto Bulldogs used a second-half rally to knock off Lake Placid by a score of 2-1 in boys soccer on Tuesday night at Roger Scarborough Memorial Field.

The Class 2A-District 10 win improved the Bulldogs to 9-3-3 overall 5-2-2 in district play. The loss dropped the Green Dragons to 1-7-2 overall and 1-5-2.

"I knew set pieces were going to be important," said Lake Placid boys soccer coach James Ashley. "We gave up a goal off a corner kick and on a free kick. We practiced for that, but we didn't execute properly.

"We've been in a lot of close matches and we just need to get healthy and come back strong after the Christmas break."

Lake Placid struck first when sophomore Danny Gil assisted on a goal by senior midfielder Miguel Resendiz, who drilled a shot into the top of the net for a 1-0 lead early in the contest.

"That was a great pass from Danny and a beautiful shot by Miguel," said Ashley.

The Green Dragons continued to pepper the DeSoto goal, but couldn't capitalize on several scoring opportunities and took a 1-0 lead into the half.

"We've been in a lot of close matches and just need to finish a few more chances to turn this around," said Ashley.

The Bulldogs came out with renewed energy in the second half and gained the equalizer when Carlos Ramirez headed the ball into the back of the net off a corner kick with 25:08 remaining in the match.

DeSoto kept the pressure on and took the lead on a free kick from 30 yards out by Alejandro Vargas with 8:15 remaining in the contest.

"We tried to prepare for these set situations, but weren't able to keep the ball out of the net," Ashley said. "It's encouraging to be in close matches, but we need to play well enough to win some of them."

Lake Placid is back in action with a district road match at Avon Park at 7:30 tonight at Joe Franza Stadium.

The Green Dragon girls take on the Red Devil girls at 5:30 today.

"We need to get a win against Avon Park and then get some rest over the holidays," Ashley said. "I only had two guys on the bench for this match and that hurt us in the second half.

"If we can get healthy and get some guys back we can make a run in the second half of the season."

Lake Placid wants to be playing its best soccer when the district tournament rolls around in February.

Hardee will be the host school for the Class 2A-District 10 tournament.

The Green Dragons have the talent to make a serious run at a possible playoff berth if they play up to their capabilities and with a lot of heart.

"We need to pass the ball better and play with more heart," said Resendiz. "We have to practice hard and give it everything we have in the matches.

"We have to toughen up, play hard for a full 80 minutes and we'll start winning."

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