By Zack Peterson
Laker/Lutz News Correspondent
Just as she had done all year, Steinbrenner High girls soccer coach Teresa Patterson stood confidently on the sidelines and cheered on her Warriors to a grueling 4-2 win against Osceola High in the Class 4A regional quarterfinals Jan. 27.
“I think we stayed calm,” Patterson said. “Osceola is a physical, well-organized team, and our kids kept their composure.”
Following an 8-0 victory against Strawberry Crest High in the district finals, the Warriors (17-2-2) faced a much tougher matchup against Osceola (12-6-1) in the first round of the regional tournament.
Although Steinbrenner struck first with a goal by sophomore Alexis Bredeau in the fifth minute, Osceola quickly recovered, scoring the next two goals. After only allowing eight goals all season, the deficit came as a shock to the Warriors.
“It was really hard to react to,” said Bredeau, who had two goals on the night, one coming at a crucial moment in the second half to break a 30-minute stalemate. “But we came back strong, bit it and put it away.”
Steinbrenner stopped the bleeding with a goal by sophomore Morgan Melatti in the 36th. At the end of the first, both teams remained locked at 2-2. The score remained tied 20 minutes into the second half.
The Warriors mainly controlled the flow of control, striking time and time again at Osceola’s goal. Eventually, Bredeau’s high-floating goal found its way into the upper left-hand corner, giving Steinbrenner a 3-2 advantage.
“It was great to have that rushing feeling knowing that something was going to happen,” Bredeau said of the Warriors’ relentless siege. “We just knew we had to keep pounding them.”
With 10 minutes left, the Warrior’s bolstered their lead with a goal by freshman Danielle Eule in the last two minutes of the game.
“They have huge hearts,” Patterson said. “I’m so proud for what they do for Steinbrenner’s program.”
The Warriors advance to the semifinals at Lakewood Ranch on Tuesday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. Steinbrenner was eliminated by Lakewood Ranch in last year’s regional semis 4-2.
“I’m really excited,” Patterson said. “We’re looking forward to playing them. I feel that last year we weren’t as tested (in regionals) and this game will be a great one.”
