Despite Scoring First Bulldogs Too Much for the Lions

Oviedo came out strong controlling the first 20 minutes of the of the Florida Girls High School Soccer 6A semi-final contest with Melbourne. Kara Mundelein would put the Lions on the board first with a spectacular shot 15 minutes into the game. Kara received  the ball about 35 yards out with her back to the goal, turned and sent a rocket over the outstretched arms of Melbourne's Kristin Grubka. Although she thought that it was a gamble to put Grubka ,who is the teams leading scorer, in the goal. "I am very confident with the other players on this team." Lord said. "She's strong in goal, It's safe. Kristin can cover the whole goal."

Melbourne would assert themselves  before halftime, scoring twice within one minute. Freshman, Rachel Price would score the first goal on a breakaway after accepting a pass from Nicole DiPerna in the 22nd minute.

Kayla Campbell came off the  bench to gave the Bulldogs  a 2 to 1 lead less than a minute late off a rebound.

"We have a deep bench and strong players all around," Lord said.

Carlee Jones scored what proved to be the deciding goal with 7:39 remaining when she knocked in a short shot off a Rachel Price corner kick. That gave Melbourne a 3-1 lead.

The Lions would not give up,  with 32 seconds remaining in regulation Oviedo's Caitlin Millich would put Oviedo in striking range with a long strike that beat Grubka. But in the end time would not be on their side as Melbourne advances with a 3 to2 victory the face Douglas in the 6A Florida Girls High School State Championship game. "The other team was well-organized," Melbourne coach Rosanna Lord said. "Great players all around on that field. I don't think there was much difference in the game."

"I feel like our semifinal was the final," Oviedo coach Scott Waisenen said after the game. "Sometimes that's the way the brackets are." If I made a prediction, Melbourne will win the game because of the pace," he said. "I say Melbourne will win by three goals. We're out and I can say that."

photos from the game