Shorecrest makes goal stand vs. CCC

CLEARWATER — Last year, Shorecrest recorded its first victory over Clearwater Central Catholic in school history.

The Chargers thought they had win No. 2 wrapped up earlier this season at the Seminole Soccer Classic. That is, until the Marauders came from behind to earn a tie.

Playing on the road Wednesday on CCC's Senior Night, Shorecrest scored an early goal and made it stick this time for a 1-0 victory.

"We were definitely hungry for this victory, especially because they're in a higher classification than us," Shorecrest coach Jeff Diedrich said. "So to beat them felt good."

Nine minutes in, Shorecrest (12-2-2) scored the only goal after Joey Martinez pushed a rebound shot past CCC goalkeeper Matthew Thomas (six saves). On the play, the Chargers' Alistair Flynn had a one-on-one shot at goal, but his shot was pushed wide by Thomas. Martinez, however, followed up the miss to score easily.

"We talk about that all the time. Someone takes a shot, crash the goal," Diedrich said. "He did a great job."

After that, it was all on the Shorecrest defense, which responded by shutting down the Marauders (6-8-4) time after time. The Chargers allowed only three shots in the second half, and Shorecrest goalkeeper Toms Bernards-Callahan came off his line numerous times to punch away corner kicks and long throw-ins.

"He was outstanding tonight," Diedrich said. "He owned the box."