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Gulf Boys Surge Past Sunlake In Second Half

BUCCANEERS 2, SEAHAWKS 0

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By Eric Horchy | The Suncoast News

Published: January 14, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - The Gulf High boys soccer team remained unbeaten with a 2-0 victory over Class 4A, District 8 foe Sunlake Wednesday night.

Playing to a 0-0 draw in the first half, the Buccaneers (12-0-6) finally began to heat up after nearly 55 minutes. Tyler Best received a nicely placed lead pass for a breakaway during the 15th minute of the second half and netted a shot from about 15 yards out to give Gulf the 1-0 lead.

While the first half was largely a struggle to find clean looks on goal for Gulf, the last 40 minutes was all Buccaneers. The attack was constantly applying pressure and Gulf owned midfield on battles for possession with its relentless physicality.

The Seahawks (8-10-3) nearly capitalized on one of their few second-half opportunities 10 minutes after falling behind, but Gulf goalkeeper Zach Waller stoned the close-ranged shot while diving to his left.

The match was essentially iced during the 31st minute. Senior Buccaneer midfielder Matt Juhnke raised the Gulf lead to 2-0 by skillfully working the left byline, dribbling to within five feet of the goal post and then banking in a shot off of a Sunlake defender's shin.

Gulf will go back to work Thursday night at River Ridge High at 7:00. Sunlake takes on Zephyrhills Friday night at home.

Eric Horchy can be reached at 727-815-1071 or ehorchy@suncoastnews.com.

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