Mustangs defeat Bobcats to continue in districts

Despite injuries and the flu, the Lakewood Ranch Lady Mustangs soccer team will continue their trek through districts. 

The Mustangs secured a 2-0 win over the North Port Bobcats, even though the East County team had a few players, such as right midfielder Julia Ortiz, out sick or with injuries during the 4A-11 semifinals, Jan. 14, at Lakewood Ranch High.

Last night's win marks the 12th consecutive shut out game for the Mustangs this season.

Although happy to see his still undefeated, top-seeded team advance, Coach Guy Virgilio told the girls their win was an ugly one. 

"The control, the touch, just wasn't there tonight," Virgilio said after the game. "There wasn't any continuity in the game at all. It was more of a kickball contest than a soccer game."

With just a few minutes left in the first half, senior Talia Falco scored the Mustangs' first goal against Bobcat goalkeeper Sabrina Murray, with an assist from Hannah Miller.

The Mustangs took 11 shots against the Bobcats, three of which were on goal.

North Port shot three times, once was on goal. Shooters included Isabelle Rogers and Kelley Mayo.

But, the win wasn't confirmed until Maria Miller scored on a penalty shot against Murray. The kick resulted from a handball call late in the second half.

On paper, the teams were a close match as well as on the field, Lakewood Ranch High Assistant Coach Jim Wojcicki said.

"This was a very defensive game, a good matchup," Wojcicki said. "The teams were pretty even tonight."

Today, the Mustangs are preparing for their next district game against number two seed Venice High School, at the home district game. The game starts at 7 p.m. Jan. 16 at Lakewood Ranch High.

Once the team's players shake out of their sickness slump, Falco said fans will see a faster and more aggressive stampede on the field.

"We were slow on the field, mostly because of our health," Falco said. "But, we did well again and were able to hold (North Port), we just need to get healthy."

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].