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Evans High School Head Coach
Key West Conchs Head Coach
It was a tough matchup for the Key West Conchs against defending Hickory Point Invitational champs Evans High School. Evans played a fast game and seemed too quick for the back line of the Conchs defense. Evans defeated Key West with a score of 4-0.
It was a fiery start for both sides. An early shot from Noah Cutchin sailed wide left and Key West wouldn’t have another chance to score for a while. Evans came back down the field and took Key West defender Spencer Hamilton down the sideline. Key West keeper Jacob Elomina came out too far and the Evans’ striker passed the ball to an unmarked man backside who easily scored giving Evans a 1-0 lead in just the 7th minute.
Just four minutes later, Evans scored again. A striker ran down the field and sent a booming cross which would be headed into the back of the net. Evans took a 2-0 lead in the 11th minute.
Nearing half Evans would score a third goal on Key West. A long throw-in flew into the box to set up another easy header score. Evans had control of the game at half with a 3-0 lead over the Conchs.
Key West took a total of ten shots in the first half, only two on target. In the second half, they would shoot 7 seven shots, two only on target. The Conchs had a chance to score in the 50th minute. Jeremie Tilus broke free and which set up a one-on-one with the Evans goalie. Tilus was able to get a good look but the goalie stopped it keeping Key West from scoring.
Evans didn’t shoot as much as Key West had in the game. The main difference was Evans’ shots were on target.
In the 56th minute, Evans would score again making the final score 4-0. This is Evans second straight year reaching the Hickory Point Invitational championship game.
“Key West is a very fine club, played a great game. It was physical but we were just faster,” said Evans head coach Ray Bornacelli.
Key West will face FW Bucholz in the 3rd place game in the morning. Bucholz lost to Osceola in the other semifinal tonight. Osceola, who won 4-3, will face Evans in the championship game.
“They were very fast, very physical. There’s a reason they are a top team in the nation,” said Key West Marc Pierre.
Although Key West lost, they played a great game according to Pierre.
“I think we played hard. We were very tired. Our passing and movement was good, but we just got outplayed by a very good and very fast team. I believe we can win the third place game tomorrow morning ,” said Pierre.
