By TAYLOR TUBBS
News-Sun correspondent
SEBRING - An unfortunate loss for the Streaks against Auburndale in the District 13- 3A championship Friday night still leaves light at the end of the tunnel.
Despite a narrow 2-0 against their rival team, Sebring will still advance to the regional quarterfinals this coming week.
For most of the season, the Streaks have been the number two seed in the district behind the Bloodhounds and had lost both regular-season matches by three-goal margins.
The Streaks were able to amp up their game play this time by holding off the Bloodhounds for a length of time and keeping the margin of loss to a minimal two goals.
For the first half of the game, the Streaks held the Bloodhounds scoreless.
"We played 67 minutes without them scoring," said senior captain Nick Perez. "I thought we played a pretty solid game, but you win some and you lose some."
District runner-up is still quite an accomplishment.
As a result of the seeding, the Streaks will travel to take on the number one seed from District 14, Merritt Island, on Wednesday.
Auburndale plays at home against Lake Nona, the District 14 runner-up.
"I hope we get the chance to play them again in regionals," said Perez. "Both of us know that Sebring is capable of winning."
As the Streaks season draws to a close in the coming weeks, the players still have a positive outlook.
"I couldn't have been prouder of the guys on our team," said junior Austin Westergom. "We showed a lot of heart."
Sunday, January 27, 2013 - www.newssun.com/SUN-1-27-13-SebSoccer