Hardee's Reyes Score Four Goals In 5-0 Win Over AP

AVON PARK - Improvement has been steady for the Avon Park boys soccer team, but the youthful Red Devils felt another of its growing pains on Thursday night, as the Hardee Wildcats pounced on the host team early in a 5-0 win at Joe Franza Stadium.

"This young team is getting much better," said AP head coach Jocelyn Simplice. "But they are having to mature by experience on the field. This is a trial-and-error process and I'm still finding the right chemistry that works."

Avon Park, which was without starting goalie Sergio Durand due to a hand injury, moved the ball very well and took a huge step in getting the passes to their forwards in scoring positions, but were unable to get the ball into the net.

"In practice, we've been stressing our defense and also improving our passing skills," Simplice said. "Now we have to concentrate on finishing the plays and scoring some goals."

Hardee's brand of soccer is methodical in their attack of a team's defense, moving the ball upfield with surgical precision with no thought to who will get the glory of the goal.

"Our style of play is focusing on the fundamentals," said Hardee coach Ron Kline. "It can be boring, but at the same time, we're just concentrating on making good decisions on the field and winning games."

'Cats senior forward Luis Reyes scored three goals in the first half, including one off a beautiful pass from sophomore Marco Calvillo that gave Hardee a 4-0 lead at intermission.

Avon Park was unable to combat the push from Hardee's more experienced unit in the first half, but stepped up their aggressiveness on both sides of the field in the second stanza.

"Things are starting to work for us," said AP senior defender Casey McKibben. "We've practiced going to the ball and being more aggressive, and our crossing passes were opening up opportunities for us. We just have to find a way to finish."

McKibben has taken on the role of vocal leader on the field, acting as general for the inexperienced squad and mentoring many of the underclassmen.

"This is my 13th year playing soccer, and I love this sport," McKibben said. "What I really wanted to do was leave the Red Devil soccer program in good shape when I left. I want to put Avon Park soccer back on the map where it belongs."

Simplice is proud to have a player like McKibben on this squad.
"Casey is so disciplined and takes pride in his game and this team," the AP head coach said. "I asked him to take more of a leadership role this season and he has responded beautifully."

The Red Devils had scoring chances in the second half when Washley Jean received a crossing pass, but Hardee goalie Efrain Ruiz hauled in the shot to deny Avon Park the goal.

"We're getting better each and every game, which is a good sign," Simplice said. "We just need to cast away any sense of hesitation that the players have on the field."

The 'Cats Ivan Narvaez and junior Humberto Nolasco accounted for the other two goals for Hardee.