Post by hehateme on Feb 5, 2005 21:31:34 GMT -6
Sixth-ranked Catholic blanks Covington, 3-0
By CHARLES SALZER
Special to The Advocate
Catholic High School continued its winning ways Friday night capturing a hard-fought 3-0 opening-round Division I playoff win over Covington.
Ben McArdle's goal put the Bears up 1-0 at the half, and B.J. Reine scored twice in the final 15 minutes of play to salt away the win at Burbank Park.
"We played some really good one-touch and two-touch soccer," Catholic coach Kevin Landry said. "We've been playing well the last few games and kind of got on a roll. It was just a matter of staying with it."
Catholic (20-5) entered the playoffs ranked sixth after posting a 12-0 record in District 4. The Bears advance to play the Mandeville/West Jefferson winner.
Covington (11-11-3) placed fourth in District 5 behind champion St. Paul. Lions coach Jim Inman said he was impressed with Catholic's play.
"They have enough talent to go a long way in the playoffs," Inman said. "We've played some good teams so I'm not just saying that. Brother Martin, St. Paul -- they (the Bears) match up well with those guys."
Landry credited the leadership of seniors Reine, Rick Guerrero, Ted Tomeny and David Winchell in helping the Bears move on to the second round.
"B.J. is probably the guy that gets the most recognition, but those four are all going to be playing college soccer next year," Landry said.
"We had Guerrero on top, B.J. at midfield, Tomeny at sweeper and Winchell in goal. When you line them up straight down the middle like that, it's hard to beat."
Reine chased down a pass from Jason Dormady in the 67th minute to set up his first goal. Dormady placed the ball left of the CHS goal, and Reine beat the Lions' goalkeeper to the ball. The score earned Catholic a 2-0 lead and some much-needed breathing room.
"We got the ball wide like we try to do all game," Reine said. "Jason Dormady gave me a good cross and I just put it in."
Four minutes later, Reine used his speed to create another score, dribbling past one defender before putting a left-footed kick into the net at close range.
"Rick Guerrero cleared the way for me up top," Reine said. "I got past one guy, and I hit it in the far post."
Covington was unable to crack Winchell and the Catholic defense, and couldn't convert its scoring opportunities.
The Lions' Paul Barrial sent a free kick goal-ward in the 55th minute, but Frank Judice's header flew over the goal. Diego Almeida ran down a pass in the box in the 68th minute, but fired wide right.
"We played well, they played better," Inman said. "They're a good team that's very well-coached, and you tip your hat to them. They moved the ball beautifully."
Landry said the Bears will continue to focus on winning one game at a time although he acknowledged Catholic began the season with a state championship as its goal.
"We've still got a lot of work left to do," Landry said. "This team has got the talent that other Catholic teams have had. Its just a matter of gaining the experience and learning how to win in the playoffs."
By CHARLES SALZER
Special to The Advocate
Catholic High School continued its winning ways Friday night capturing a hard-fought 3-0 opening-round Division I playoff win over Covington.
Ben McArdle's goal put the Bears up 1-0 at the half, and B.J. Reine scored twice in the final 15 minutes of play to salt away the win at Burbank Park.
"We played some really good one-touch and two-touch soccer," Catholic coach Kevin Landry said. "We've been playing well the last few games and kind of got on a roll. It was just a matter of staying with it."
Catholic (20-5) entered the playoffs ranked sixth after posting a 12-0 record in District 4. The Bears advance to play the Mandeville/West Jefferson winner.
Covington (11-11-3) placed fourth in District 5 behind champion St. Paul. Lions coach Jim Inman said he was impressed with Catholic's play.
"They have enough talent to go a long way in the playoffs," Inman said. "We've played some good teams so I'm not just saying that. Brother Martin, St. Paul -- they (the Bears) match up well with those guys."
Landry credited the leadership of seniors Reine, Rick Guerrero, Ted Tomeny and David Winchell in helping the Bears move on to the second round.
"B.J. is probably the guy that gets the most recognition, but those four are all going to be playing college soccer next year," Landry said.
"We had Guerrero on top, B.J. at midfield, Tomeny at sweeper and Winchell in goal. When you line them up straight down the middle like that, it's hard to beat."
Reine chased down a pass from Jason Dormady in the 67th minute to set up his first goal. Dormady placed the ball left of the CHS goal, and Reine beat the Lions' goalkeeper to the ball. The score earned Catholic a 2-0 lead and some much-needed breathing room.
"We got the ball wide like we try to do all game," Reine said. "Jason Dormady gave me a good cross and I just put it in."
Four minutes later, Reine used his speed to create another score, dribbling past one defender before putting a left-footed kick into the net at close range.
"Rick Guerrero cleared the way for me up top," Reine said. "I got past one guy, and I hit it in the far post."
Covington was unable to crack Winchell and the Catholic defense, and couldn't convert its scoring opportunities.
The Lions' Paul Barrial sent a free kick goal-ward in the 55th minute, but Frank Judice's header flew over the goal. Diego Almeida ran down a pass in the box in the 68th minute, but fired wide right.
"We played well, they played better," Inman said. "They're a good team that's very well-coached, and you tip your hat to them. They moved the ball beautifully."
Landry said the Bears will continue to focus on winning one game at a time although he acknowledged Catholic began the season with a state championship as its goal.
"We've still got a lot of work left to do," Landry said. "This team has got the talent that other Catholic teams have had. Its just a matter of gaining the experience and learning how to win in the playoffs."