Shorecrest soccer team off to fast start
Source/Author: Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
December 03, 2015
When Shorecrest gathered on Nov. 10 for its first soccer game of the season against St. Petersburg, the Chargers had all of one practice under their belts.
"I overheard somebody from the team say, 'Oh, we have St. Petersburg first. They're going to kill us.' " Shorecrest coach Milen Gaganelov said. "I knew we had a good team but I need them to believe that. They need to have confidence and I wanted that game to give it to them."
If Shorecrest lacked confidence before the game, it didn't afterward. The Chargers blew open a 1-0 halftime lead and won 6-2. St. Petersburg hasn't lost since, and neither have the Chargers. Shorecrest (3-0) followed the St. Petersburg win with a 4-1 win over Admiral Farragut and a 3-0 win over Keswick Christian.
After the Thanksgiving break, the Chargers have district games against Canterbury, Indian Rocks Christian and St. Petersburg Catholic. There is also a Dec. 11 match at Jesuit that is sure to be a tough test.
Gaganelov isn't surprised by his team's start. Now in his fourth year, he has led the Chargers to the postseason the past two years. This year's team is loaded with experience. Seniors Kobi Mathews, Kalju Jake N, Killian W, Jared H, Seif E and Cooper W have been part of previous playoff teams.
Junior goalkeeper Will T has been steady in the net. In fact, Will is in Germany this week with Gaganelov to take part in a showcase tournament (Shorecrest has eight club soccer players). Junior Taylor D and sophomore Sam B have also been key underclassmen.
While the Chargers are off to a good start, Gaganelov knows the games that count happen in January. For the past two seasons, Shorecrest has advanced to the region semifinals only to be upset. In the 2013-14 season, the Chargers won 21 games. But the season ended with a 2-1 loss at Carrollwood Day. Last season, Shorecrest lost 3-2 in overtime to Calvary Christian in the second round.
Both times Gaganelov thought he had the better team.
"In the past we got beaten by teams that had a lot of heart but not as much talent," he said. "I'm trying to change that. I'm trying to get this team to believe in itself and have more heart so that when we get in those big games we can pull through. In the past, we would get down and then we were beaten. That needs to change."
In Class A, District 6, Shorecrest, St. Petersburg Catholic and Calvary Christian appear to be the teams to beat. All three are undefeated. That makes the district games prior to winter break crucial.
"I think this team can do very well. But it's up to them," the coach said.
Original story: http://www.tampabay.com/sports/soccer/preps/shorecrest-soccer-team-off-to-fast-start/2255391
Original story: http://www.tampabay.com/sports/soccer/preps/shorecrest-soccer-team-off-to-fast-start/2255391
