LENNARD BOYS’ & GIRLS’ SOCCER

by theObserver December 13, 2018

December 13, 2018

STEVE JACKSON PHOTOS

Lennard boys soccer unbeaten; girls sparked by Rasool

By Steve Jackson

RUSKIN — The Lennard boys’ soccer team continues to struggle for first place in 4A District 9. The Longhorns of Coach Dominic Coco went into the Dec. 11 match in Tampa with Gaither sporting a 6-0 record overall and a 2-0 mark in district play. The Longhorns return to Ruskin Friday, Dec. 14, at 8 p.m. for a match with Armwood from Seffner. The Hawks are 2-5 in the young season. After a Christmas holiday break, Coco’s charges return to action with three straight road games in January before two home games: Jan. 18 versus Freedom and Jan. 22 facing Newsome.

Last week, the boys nipped Durant 1-0 on Dec. 4 and then dominated Brandon 4-1 in Ruskin Friday night. The smaller Lennard team jumped out to a 3-1 halftime lead over Brandon and then coasted to the final 4-1 win. Finding the goal for the Longhorns were senior Gerardo Gonzalez with a pair. Sophomore José Luis Garcia also knocked in two goals in the home conference game.

On Dec. 7, the Lady Longhorn soccer team also beat Brandon 4-0. Forward Aniah Rasool’s aggressive play and pure determination helped her team to the victory as she scored all 4 goals. She took 8 shots on goal and connected with 4, also stealing the ball twice providing other scoring opportunities, which Lennard could not cash in. According to Coach Vanessa Escobar, “It seemed Aniah would not settle for a good game. She wanted to help her team to a win, and that was the outcome.” The Lady Longhorns’ record is now 2 wins, 5 losses, and 1 tie overall, and 1-0-1 in District 9. Their next game is Dec. 11 against Gaither High, where the Longhorns are hoping to get to .500 within their district before the Dec. 14 clash with Armwood in Ruskin.

The Lady Longhorns were beat soundly on Dec. 4 by Durant, 5-1. Goalkeeper Chloe Michel was instrumental in her team staying in the game against Durant and avoiding the mercy rule. She had 5 goals against her, but registered 10 great saves. Escobar said, “Chloe’s defending has improved and she is maturing well for a first-time goalkeeper.” Aniah Rasool had Lennard’s only score and fought hard alongside her teammates.

Lennard Girls Soccer: Front row: volunteer coach Rigo; #15 midfielder Brenda Rodriquez; #25 defender Zaria Goldson; #1 midfielder Gisselle Ramos; #20 defender Bailey Robinson; #7 midfielder Amiya Shelman; #2 defender Madison Bennett; #13 forward Aniah Rasool; and #5 forward Gabrielle Michel. Second row: goalkeeper Clautide Michel; #9 defender Jazmin Vargas; #11 midfielder Izahri Sanchez; #21 midfielder Victoria Blaszyk; #24 defender Kaitlyn Tyler; #10 midfielder Alissa Lopez; #19 midfielder Jocelyn Diaz; goalkeeper Karina Ramis-Davis; volunteer Johanna Ramirez; goalkeeper Kathleen O’Hair; #6 midfielder Larissa Saldana; #17 midfielder Olivia Michel; #3 forward Sadieann Vitale; volunteer coach Fedelly Felinor; #12 midfielder Shanya Luke; and head coach Vanessa Escobar.

LENNARD BOYS SOCCER – Front row: Esteban Gonzalez #6; Carlos Gonzalez #21; Brad Gutierrez #11; Jayden Palacios #13; Charlie Rodriguez #8; Alex Garcia #2; Jayson Lamothe #18; Nick Robillito (PS); Jose Luis Garcia #14; Salvadore Velasquez #10; Epson Vernard (PS); Luis Alvarado #20; Josmar Gonzalez #1; and Emanuel Espinal #16. Back row: Salvador Betancourt (AC); Jazelyn Monsiviais, manager; Nick Gomez #4; Jacob Silva #9; Evan Barnwell (GK); Elmer Hernandez #19; Julio Rodriguez #15; Abner Herrera #26; Cade Vitale #17; Sebastian Zamudio #22; Manny Oliveras (GK); Nestor Garcia (GK); Justin Guzman #3; Mario Stino (PS); Joel Avellenda #7; Luis Dominguez #6; Gerardo Gonzalez #12; Head Coach Dominic Coco.