Knights advance, scoring mark set
By ADOLFO GARMENDIA
Miami Herald Writer
Sheldon Grizzle had one thing on his mind coming into Tuesday's soccer regional quarterfinal against Miami Kendall Westwood Christian -- to get his team into the semifinals so he would have a chance to break the career goal record for Florida.
Grizzle not only led Highland Christian (20-2) to a 5-3 victory over Westwood, he also scored all five goals to set the state record at 172.
``I just wanted to win the game,'' said Grizzle, who needed four goals to tie the mark set by Jason Streets of Lakeland Christian last year. ``This is a great team we played against, but I had it in the back of my mind.''
The senior forward answered an early Wildcat goal in the closing moments of the first half to tie the score.
But when the second half began, Grizzle took over. Scoring his second goal on a header four minutes into the second half. He tacked on two more to tie the record only 10 minutes later. And then off a perfect cross from Jared McGreevy, Grizzle converted the record breaker -- making the score 5-1 with just over 10 minutes left in the game.
``It was on my mind but it wasn't my main focus,'' said Grizzle of his record-setting score. ``This is a team sport and I couldn't do it without the rest of these guys.''
Grizzle was right, the Knights controlled a strong Westwood (16-4-1) team with the excellent defensive play of Luke Still, James Logan and Ryan Shanks. And the strong midfield work done by Mitch Major and Shawn Adams.
``I am very proud of the way the guys responded,'' said head coach Ken McEwan. ``We fell behind early and bounced back. And Sheldon just took over the game when it was in question.''
Published 11/4/98 in the Miami Herald.