Class 6A Alonso Ravens show Eagles how to play the game, 5-0

NEW PORT RICHEY - Following his team's 5-0 opening-round loss to Tampa-Alonso in the Ridgewood Winter Boys Soccer Classic Wednesday afternoon, Springstead coach Sal Calabrese was asked what he thought of the team that just beat him.

"Hey, they're a Class 6A school. We knew coming in they were a very good side," said the veteran mentor after watching his team given a good lesson on how to play soccer.

The Ravens, who are now 11-2-3 on the year, completely outclassed the Eagles team as they dominated almost the entire game.

Goals by Julio Perez, Fernando Mejia, Simon Gomez, Tom Turke and Sebastien Matta helped the Ravens advance to the winner's bracket of the 8-team tournament.

Alonso was in control the entire way as it out shot the Eagles 34-2 as Springstead freshman goalkeeper Joey Lasala had to make 15 saves, some of them very hard ones, to keep the score as close as it was.

"That's how I want my boys to play," said Calabrese Wednesday about the play of his opponent. "But until they learn the technical aspects of the game, they're never going to get that way."

The Ravens clearly had the more skilled players Wednesday and the Springstead coach said it was mostly due to better technique.

"They are all very skilled players and a lot of it is technique," explained Calabrese. "It makes a big difference. They all can receive a ball from here to there without losing it and they are all on the same page."

The Ravens, who have been off since Dec. 13, didn't show any rust Wednesday as they jumped to a 3-0 first-half lead.

In the second half, Alonso scored twice but controlled tempo.

"They have good coaches and I'll bet they all play during the summer with a good club team. You can tell they are all on the same page," said Calabrese. "We have to play good teams or we're not going to get any better. Hopefully, the boys picked up a couple of things they can carry over."

With the win, Alonso advanced to the semifinals Thursday night while Springstead faced 4A-8 rival Zephyrhills Thursday.