Tie tests boys soccer powers

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Saint Stephen’s and Lakewood Ranch were not battling for district positioning Monday night.

But the games will grow more relevant as the winter grows deeper. And the 1-1 tie the boys soccer teams played to provided each one with a strong early-season litmus test.

The Falcons (0-0-1) and Mustangs (1-0-2) are fresh off solid campaigns — the Falcons reached the Class 2A state final four last season and the Mustangs won the Class 5A-District 12 title en route to reaching the Region 3 semifinals.

Now it’s a new year, with each team forced to tackle new challenges.

The Falcons lost 10 starters from 2008-09, including scorers Kyle Bellingar (35 goals) and Ryley Delgado (23 goals), defensive standout Kevin Peterson and goalie Chandler Whidden.

So coach Marc Jones was pleased with his new-look crew, which drew even Monday on Chris Scott’s goal early in the second half.

“They met,” Jones said, “and exceeded expectations.”

Especially against the Mustangs, now a Class 4A school.

“Even though we’re very young, I still wanted the guys to be tested,” said Jones, whose Falcons have non-district foes such as Manatee, Riverview and Palmetto on their schedule. “They showed a lot of skill and most importantly, a lot of heart, which is something we’ve always had in this program.”

Lakewood Ranch lost three starters, including Michael Puhalovich, who scored 25 goals for the Mustangs. Similar to the Falcons, the Mustangs will be making a transition, namely, turning midfielders Sam Severson and Alex Martin into forwards.

Martin assisted Marco Padilla’s goal more than halfway into the first half.

“It’s gonna take some time, but the touches are there,” said coach Vito Bavaro. “They’re both great players who can thrive, and I know they will. It’s just going to take some time.”

Both squads will also have new districts to contend with, especially Lakewood Ranch, bumped down to Class 4A-District 10. The Mustangs begin district play Friday night against Seminole Osceola, who they defeated last year in a regional quarterfinal.

“We have some good players and we have a lot of potential,” Bavaro said. “We are going to be in every game we play. I don’t see anyone blowing us out.”

Jones is also happy about his team’s chances.

“These guys are pulling on the shirt, and they have a lot of pride,” he said. “We’re building a new foundation here with this program.”