Where: Clearwater Central Catholic High School (On Haines Bayshore Rd. off U.S. 19)
What: This is the fifth year of
the high school soccer all-star game that pits the top seniors
from Hillsborough County (Tampa, Brandon, Valrico) against the
best from Pinellas County (St. Petersburg, Largo, Clearwater).
When: Friday, March 27, 1998. Girls game at 6, Boys at 8.
CLEARWATER – The fifth annual SCORE Senior Soccer Challenge takes place on Friday, March 27, at Clearwater Central Catholic High School, located on Haines Bayshore Road, east of U.S. 19.
The game features the top high school seniors from Hillsborough County against the best from Pinellas. The girls kick off at 6 p.m. and the boys at 8.
In the boys game, Team Hillsborough is led by Bloomingdale forward Chris Gatlyn, who scored the only goal in the Bulls’ 1-0 Class 6A semifinal upset of top-ranked Hialeah American. Team Pinellas features standout midfielder Joe Valencia and several of his teammates from Class 5A regional finalist Largo.
The Pinellas squad is packed with defenders and midfielders. According to coach Rick Masi, this year’s team is a “blue collar, grind it out bunch” who are not afraid to mix it up. “”This year, we don’t have a bunch of egos,’’ Masi said. “”We don’t have guys saying, ‘I’m better than everyone else.’ Instead, we have a very good group that works together as a unit.””
Masi said he is still tinkering with the lineup, but expect to see some players out of their usual positions. For example, Largo’s Steve Borkowski was a standout fullback this year, but with his cannon left foot, he may be called to go forward on the attack. St. Petersburg’s Mike Petagna was one of several sweepers to make the team; so he may find himself at stopper or midfield.
The question mark for Pinellas may be at striker. Most of the top scorers in the county this year were juniors; so players like Countryside’s Agim Kaba and Seminole’s Mike Nagel will have to deliver when they have chances to finish.
The Pinellas girls squad appears to have a distinct advantage over Hillsborough this year. Countryside's Jamie Theil and Merhyn Corrigan of Class 3A semifinalist CCC will star for Pinellas.
According to Challenge organizer Frank Ferguson, the games draw a lot of attention from college coaches. This year, he coordinated the Challenge with the Clearwater Chargers soccer club’s collegiate showcase weekend, which is a sort of soccer scouting combine.
“”So far, 43 coaches have confirmed that they will be there,’’ Ferguson said. “”One coach told me that the best part about our game is that they can see the best going against the best. It’s not like going to a regular game and seeing a senior scoring on some freshman. You’re seeing what they can do against other players of their caliber.’’
Here are the Pinellas County rosters for the games. Sorry, I don't have the Hillsborough yet...
Press here to go back to the Tampa
Bay High School Soccer home page.