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Boys Soccer: Hurricanes Tame Tigers, Avenge '08 Loss

HURRICANES 1, TIGERS 0

By Eric Horchy | The Suncoast News

Published: February 11, 2009

TAMPA - Around this time last season, the Palm Harbor University boys soccer team was walking off the artificial field turf of Jesuit High with heads hanging low following a 3-0 first-round playoff defeat.

The Hurricanes made certain history would not repeat itself during Tuesday night's Class 5A Region 3 semifinals.

PHU senior Matthew Tobin headed in the match's lone goal four minutes into the second half to secure a regional semifinals berth this Friday against county-rival Seminole High. The score came after a throw-in deep in Jesuit territory. Andrew Smith initially headed a cross after the throw that Tobin put away.

"Smith headed the ball and I was able to finish," Tobin said. " I just knew he was going to win it, so I was going to be there to put it in."

After playing to a scoreless draw in the first half that finished with Jesuit looking ripe for a score, PHU came out flying in the final 40 minutes. Tobin's goal came on the first of seven Hurricanes' second-half shots in comparison to Jesuit's two.

Following the match, PHU head coach Alex Delgado pointed to a combination of preparation and strong senior leadership as keys for the night's victory.

"We were unprepared last year and these guys made a commitment that we were going to come in here prepared and ready for the battle," Delgado said. "Since the PCAC game, they've been a joy to watch. The heart they're playing with is just amazing.

"They're setting a new standard for what the program is all about."

He added that senior Andrew Smith stepped up during practice last Friday and delivered a motivational speech to the team and its underclassmen about how it felt walking off the same field last year. Delgado has previously said that he questioned this team's upperclassmen leadership early in the season. All concerns have now been put to rest.

Along with PHU's relentless second-half attack, the play of the Hurricanes' defense and goalkeeper Max Gallin was equally stellar. Gallin finished with three saves and repeatedly cut off potentially dangerous crosses.

PHU's regional finals matchup with Seminole will again be on the road. The match will take place Friday night at 7:00.

Eric Horchy can be reached at 727-815-1071 or ehorchy@suncoastnews.com.

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