Windermere High falls in wild double OT semifinal
Windermere High overcame a 2-goal deficit but could not capitalize on a late advantage in numbers against a resilient opponent at the FHSAA boys soccer state tournament.
The Wolverines (16-21) fell 5-4 on penalty kicks vs. Boca Raton (23-0-2) on Thursday afternoon after the teams tied 3-3 in a Class 7A semifinal at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand.
Windermere’s final PK attempt sailed high above the crossbar to conclude a match that was played under wet conditions.
Windermere senior Enzo Valiante scored with 1:42 to go in the first overtime period on a deep shot from well beyond the 18-yard box.
Boca Raton, competing with only nine players during the final 30 minutes, tied the score on a penalty kick inside the opening minute of the second overtime following a Windermere gaffe.
The Wolverines were setting up to take a goal kick when a field player was whistled for resetting the ball with his hands.
The match was littered with yellow cards and stoppages in play because of player injuries.
Senior standout Jose Moyetones scored on a penalty kick in the second half to cut the deficit to 2-1 for Windemere with 20 minutes remaining.
The Wolverine knotted the score at 2 just before Boca Raton went down one man when a blue card was issued with less than 11 minutes in regulation.
The Bobcats lost an additional player to a blue card almost one minute later and was forced to go the rest of the way, including both 10-minute overtime periods, shorthanded.
Boca Raton built a 2-0 lead on a goal in the first half and another with 25 minutes to go in regulation.