Sebring Defense Keys Boys Soccer Win

LAKE PLACID - Sebring used a swarming defense and an offense that took advantage of its scoring opportunities to beat Lake Placid 3-0 in a non-district boys soccer match on Thursday night at Roger Scarborough Memorial Field.

The Blue Streaks held a slim one-goal lead at the half in the defensive-minded match, before the Sebring offense, paced by excellent passing, was able to capitalize on its scoring opportunities.

"This was a good match and we played really well," said Sebring coach Paul Brown. "We wore them down and we had a couple of breakaways in the second half that put the match away.
"I noticed Lake Placid's back line was up at midfield in the first half, so we slotted a couple of balls through and was able to score in the second half. "We scored six goals in our last match and three tonight and I think our offense is starting to come around."

Class 4A Sebring, which improved to 2-2, drew first blood in the physical contest, when junior forward Gilberto Santos found the back of the net with 11:51 remaining in the first half.

"We missed a couple of scoring chances in the first half and we can't make those kind of mistakes," Brown said. "You never know what can happen, because if you don't score and then give up a soft goal it can cost you the match."

Class 3A Lake Placid, which dropped to 2-2, had an uncharacteristic five shots on goal against the aggressive Sebring attack.

"Sebring played well, but we didn't live up to my expectations," said Green Dragon coach Josh Virkler. "We were tentative and got beaten physically for the ball at midfield. "We were hesitant in our attack and didn't play the ball directly enough, and there was no reason for that. We weren't prepared mentally or physically and maybe it's my fault.
"Whatever it was, we weren't ready for this match."

Nick Peters scored the second Sebring goal with a nifty move in front of the Lake Placid goal with 26:21 remaining in the match.

The Blue Streaks, who had 12 shots on goal, sealed the win when junior Joseph Lezama blasted a shot into the upper-right corner of the net for a 3-0 lead with 12:24 remaining.

Lake Placid had a couple of late scoring attempts, but Sebring keeper Ryan Cochran was in the right place at the right time to keep the shutout in tact.

"We controlled the game for the most part and I'm really pleased with the kids effort," Brown said. "We're looking better, but we still have room for improvement in every area of the game."

Sebring is back on the pitch with a home match on Tuesday against Okeechobee, while Lake Placid travels to Mulberry on Tuesday for a key Class 3A-District 10 match.

GIRLS: Sebring 5, Hardee 0

WAUCHULA - Freshman Amanda Grimaldo scored two goals and assisted on two others to lead Sebring past Hardee in a Class 4A-District 10 girls soccer match on Thursday night.
The win improved the Blue Streaks to 3-3-1 overall and 2-2 in district play.

"We came out strong in the second half and got the lead and that enabled me to play a lot of girls," said Sebring coach Steve Ashley. "Amanda had a heck of a match and is really making her presence felt."

After a scoreless first half, the Blue Streaks got on the board as Grimaldo netted two quick goals.
"Amanda is only a freshman, but she has been playing soccer for quite a while," Ashley said. "She has excellent footwork, is comfortable with the ball and has excellent vision."

Ricki Albritton scored the third goal with a header off of a corner kick, and Molly Blackman netted the fourth goal off a beautiful cross from Grimaldo.
Jodi Leichmore capped the scoring on the night with an assist from Grimaldo.

Sebring was back in action with an away match against LaBelle on Friday night.
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