Palm
Harbor returns to winning ways
Originally
Published: Jan 12, 2001
It has been a difficult stretch for Palm Harbor University's
girls soccer team. After picking up the nation's No. 1 ranking in the Fox Student
Sports Fab 50 poll, the Hurricanes answered by falling into an offensive slump
and losing two of their last three games.
It's funny how one goal can
change everything.
Mired in a midseason mud
puddle, Palm Harbor managed to find a way out Friday night when Gabby
Farkasfalvy scored a goal in the 79th minute to complete a second-half comeback
for a 2-1 win against host Durant in district play.
The win keeps Palm Harbor's
district championship hopes alive, while ending Durant's run for the
regular-season title.
``This is just what we
needed,'' Farkasfalvy said.
Farkasfalvy's goal came on a
breakaway with little more than a minute remaining in the game. Forward Devon
Sibole, who had two assists on the night, crossed midfield with the ball and
threaded a pass to a streaking Farkasfalvy who got behind the Durant defense.
The junior collected the ball, took a couple of dribbles and slotted it past
Durant goalkeeper Jackie Hinton for the game-winner.
``We've been in a little bit
of a slump,'' Palm Harbor coach Holly Freeman said. ``It was just the desire to
want to win and they did a good job. I'm real proud of them.''
Hinton, who had seven saves,
and the Durant defense withstood the Hurricane (16-2-1, 7-1 district) attack
until the 62nd minute when Sibole found forward Sarah McGonegal for the
equalizing goal.
The two-goal comeback offset
an impressive first half by Durant (9-3-4, 2-2-2). The Cougars scored their
lone goal in the 26th minute, when Kristine Kelly knocked the ball past Palm
Harbor goal keeper Katie Flickinger.
Durant even kept up the
offensive pressure in the second half. The Cougars had numerous scoring chances
after the break but could not get another goal. Kristen Danielik had the best
opportunity when she banged a shot off the post in the 60th minute.
``We did not lose the game
on defense,'' Durant coach Dick Sheffield said. ``Before they scored that first
goal it should have been 3-0. It's just a case of making the most of your
opportunities.''
Durant outshot Palm Harbor
12-11. It was another close loss for the Cougars, who fell to Palm Harbor 1-0
earlier this season on an own goal.
``I told my team that I was
disappointed,'' Sheffield said, ``But not discouraged.''