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Fit to be tied Wiregrass Ranch knots up Springstead, 1-1

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By CHRIS BERNHARDT JR.

Published: December 10, 2007

SPRING HILL - Springstead High should have gotten used to ties by now. The Eagles have done it as much as they have anything else this season.

But after the most recent one, a 1-1 deadlock with second-year Wesley Chapel-Wiregrass Ranch Wednesday night at Booster Stadium, it likely didn't just feel like kissing your sister.

It felt like getting dumped by her, too.

"Horrible, a horrible display," said veteran Springstead Head Coach Sal Calabrese. "I thought last night (an ugly 2-1 win over Zephyrhills) was bad. This was worse. We let another game slip.

"The way we're playing is not going to get us to where we need to go at the end of the year."

In a lengthy post-game meeting that lasted over 30 minutes, Calabrese chastised his team's play in no uncertain terms.

Yes the Eagles (4-3-4 overall, 3-1-4 Class 4A, District 8) are young, a major factor Calabrese pointed to early in the season.

Adding to the turmoil, standout goalkeeper Kyle Beach abruptly transferred to Central last week, leaving freshman Joey Lasala to take over between the pipes.

On this night that didn't play much of a role, however, as Lasala only faced eight shots and made three saves.

Yet his teammates barely mustered any offensive push against the senior-less Bulls (4-3-3 overall, 4-1-3 4A-8).

Nathan Leathers scored on a header with under 20 minutes remaining in the first half for the Eagles' lone goal.

Midway through the second half, Alex Maxson tied it up scoring off a deflection on a soft kick into the left corner of the net.

"I think both teams defensively, especially when it was 1-1, locked in defensively," Wiregrass Head Coach David Wilson said. "I don't think there were too many opportunities. I think both teams defensively picked up the pace.

"Any time you're on the road and get a tie, it's a lot better than a loss."

His counterpart on Springstead didn't feel nearly so good about the outcome. Calabrese hoped for better results the rest of the way, beginning with practice the following day.

"We'll start from scratch tomorrow," Calabrese said. "We have some technical work we have to do. We have kids with horrible touch off the dribble. They can't receive the ball. So we've got to get back to basics.

"We have five seniors, three of them start and they're not showing any leadership. Someone has got to step up and take this team by the horns."

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