Boys Soccer: Mitchell dominates its way into second round

The battle of Pasco County's two top boys soccer teams has been set.

After not playing all season, Mitchell and Land O' Lakes will square off in a Class 4A regional semifinal at Mitchell Tuesday night.

The Mustangs advanced after dominating District 4A-8 runner-up Wiregrass Ranch at home by a score of 5-1 Thursday night. Land O' Lakes ended Wesley Chapel's surprise playoff entry, winning 3-0.

Mitchell's tenacious pressure kept play in the Bulls' portion of the field much of the night until the dogs were called off midway through the second half.

Following a number of close calls, Mitchell senior Alex Wegener netted the game's first goal in the 15th minute on a cross from Jason Leslie.

Nine minutes later Robert Coleman made it 2-0 by driving home a deflection in front of the net.

Leslie and David Vasquez, respectively, added first-half goals within three minutes of each other shortly thereafter to give Mitchell a commanding 4-0 halftime lead.

Wiregrass Ranch (18-5-2) only managed two shots in the first 40 minutes (six overall) as the Mitchell midfield and back effectively broke up sets before they could form.

"We were especially watching the players on top," said defender Chris McVeigh. "Number 10, (Stephen Esoff), he was one of the top players and he's quick, but we stayed with him and just kept working."

Overall, Mitchell (22-2-3) outshot the Bulls 15-6.

Sean Maser, assisted by Leslie, accounted for the fifth and final goal of the night for Mitchell 10 minutes into the second half.

Leslie finished with a goal and two assists. Wegener and Vasquez each had a goal and an assist.

The Bulls' lone goal came in the 54th minute off the foot of Joey Miller.

Along with McVeigh's performance defensively, Alejandro Motta added a gem for Mitchell late. Goalkeeper Josh Berres made a diving save to his left but could not corral the rebound. A Bulls forward put a strong shot on the wide-open net, but Motta lunged to his right and saved the goal by sending a header out of bounds.

It was just that kind of night for Mitchell, who has now outscored its last four opponents 26-2.

Tuesday night's semifinal match will be hosted by Mitchell at 7:00.

BOX SCORE:

Wiregrass Ranch - 0 - 1 --- 1
Mitchell - 4 - 1 --- 5

SCORING:

Goals - Wegener (Mit), Coleman (Mit), Leslie (Mit), Vasquez (Mit), Maser (Mit), Miller (WR)

Assists - Leslie, 2, (Mit), Vasquez (Mit), Wegener (Mit)