Manatee falls in district semifinals

Natalie Oliver’s goal in the final minute of regulation, lifted second-seeded Sarasota Riverview past Manatee 2-1 in Class 5A-District 8 at the Ram Bowl.

With the victory Riverview (7-3-3) advances to Friday’s final against Lakewood Ranch and earns a spot in next week’s regionals.

Oliver’s goal came on a counter-attack following a Manatee set piece.

Kassy Zarris gave Riverview a 1-0 lead in the fourth minute that held up well into the second half.

A handball call on the Rams in the penalty area, gave Manatee (11-3-2) a penalty kick. Amelia Greaves converted it to tie the score.

North Port 2, Braden River 1: Alexis Abene scored twice to lead host North Port to the victory in the Class 4A-District 11 semifinals. North Port advances to face Venice, which beat Charlotte 3-1.

Braden River outshot North Port 19-7, including 12 shots in the second half. However, the Pirates’ lone goal came from Izzy Vasquez in the 65th minute.

This story was originally published January 19, 2017 at 12:02 AM with the headline "Manatee falls in district semifinals."