Flipping the Switch

For two weeks, Hernando Christian Academy (HCA) has been seeking an offensive identity.
Upon closer inspection, through four its initial six matches, the Lions scored one goal or less four times.
In its other two matches, HCA managed five goals each.
On Tuesday evening against 2A-9 rival Tampa-Carrollwood Day School, the Lions flipped the scoring switch matching their season-high with five goals.
HCA senior striker Jeff Basciano, who came in with a team-best four goals - ignited the outburst tallying a career-high four goals. Basciano's efforts featured two weaving masterpieces through the CDS defense - paving the way to the Lions' 5-0 shutout over the winless Patriots.
To make matters worse for the 0-4-0 Hillsborough County club, Carrollwood Day School, came in being out-scored 18-1, and played a man down the entire match. CDS was without four players and their fireman/mentor Donnie Kmiotek. CDS Athletic Director Frank Mabry filled in guiding the team Tuesday evening.
HCA, which chose to play the match with 10 players, improved to 3-2-2 overall and claimed its first district win of the season (1-0-1 2A-9).
Mabry was asked what was the difference?
"Sure, it would have helped to have a few more players," shrugged Mabry, whose team was outshot, 18-5. "They're (HCA) a fine team and well-coached. Our guys gave everything they had, but we were outmanned. The better team won tonight."
Biggest positive?
"The effort," quickly replied Mabry. "The kids fought hard. The biggest characteristic about this group is they never quit."

Lions roar

There were several standouts for host Lions including junior sweeper Kyle Marra, who helped senior goalkeeper Josh Romeo notch his third shutout of the season.
"Today sometimes we were shaky in the back, but Josh (Romeo) would come up big time," said the 17-year-old Marra. "Josh made the saves when he really needed to. There was a lot of communication in the back. We had to, they (CDS) was stacking four guys back there, so we had to adjust."
Besides Basciano, freshman Matt Lehman notched his first-ever varsity goal two minutes into the second half on a cross from senior Jackie Butler, 3-0 Lions.
"It feels good to get that first goal," smiled the 13-year-old Matt Lehman. "It was fun to get a goal."
Junior Ken Lehman connected with Basciano, who tallied his third goal of the night at 68:00 minutes, 4-0. Ken Lehman also assisted on Basciano's initial goal four minutes into the match.
Basiano closed the scoring with eight minutes remaining with a solo effort, 5-0.
Ken Lehman praised Basciano's stout efforts.
"He is always there for us," admired the 16-year-old Lehman. "To his credit, he is always moving."
How big was the team's first district win?
"District wins are all big," replied Lehman. "This is great."
HCA's fourth-year Head Coach Matt Carrao was pleased, particularly with his defense.
"So far, we've been solid in the back," said Carrao. "They key for us is possession and we still haven't found the assist man yet. When we play teams that are a little better defensively, they've been trying to take away Jeff. At this point, we've got to find the setup man."
On Basciano's efforts?
"He's been injured," pointed out Carrao. "It was good to see him break out of his (scoring) shell. Jeff has the tools to score 2-4 goals a match for us. It's no surprise for me to see him have this kind of success (four goals)."

HCA 5, Carrollwood Day School 0
CDS 0 0 - 0
HCA 2 3 - 5
Goals - HCA: Basiano (4), M. Lehman.
Assists - HCA: K. Lehman (2), Butler.
Shots on goal - CDS: 5, HCA: 18.
Saves - CDS: Walker 11; HCA: Romeo 3.
Yellow Cards - none.
Blue Cards - none.
Red Cards - none.
Records: Carrollwood Day School (0-4-0, 0-3-0 2A-9),
Hernando Christian Academy (3-2-2 overall, 1-0-1 2A-9).