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News-Sun photo by DAN HOEHNE Blue Streak Brian Dixon boots the ball ahead to a streaking teammate Monday night. Dixon would score Sebring's lone goal in the 1-1 tie with LaBelle at Firemen's Field.

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published: Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Monday tie a positive for Streaks

By TAYLOR TUBBS

News-Sun correspondent

SEBRING - As the time ticked away the back and forth continued between the Blue Streaks and the LaBelle Cowboys on Monday night at Firemen's Field.

Neither side was able to produce a decisive victory, as the score remained tied 1-1 at the finish.

"This isn't a district game, so I was happy with the tie," said Sebring head coach Keith Bowyer. "We're conserving for tomorrow when it really counts against Winter Haven."

Early on in the game the Sebring defense proved their strength by not allowing a single goal to be scored on them in the first half.

Goal keeper Ethan Smith had many great saves throughout the night.

The offense, meanwhile, was busy making numerous goal attempts.

Riley Watson had a close shot on goal 19 minutes into the game, and less than two minutes later the Cowboy keeper covered another close scoring attempt by Sebring.

Brian Dixon's clear path to the goal was blocked momentarily by a LaBelle defender, but he was able to recover for a close range shot, but with his momentum slowed, he couldn't get quite enough zip on the attempt.

A later charge on goal by Dixon was another close attempt with eleven minutes left in the first half.

Dixon's attempts finally delivered when he scored the first goal of the night with five minutes to go before halftime.

LaBelle got more aggressive in the second half and kept the ball in Streak territory.

The Sebring defense allowed a shot by LaBelle in the top left corner of the goal, or a t90 shot in soccer terminology, to slip through with 30 minutes remaining in the game.

"It was a beautiful shot," said Bowyer. "But we just can't allow those things to slip through."

An abundance of corner kicks would lead to near misses for both of the teams as the match wore on.

Smith played the damp conditions on the field to his favor when he found himself leaning to one side for a save and quickly had to switch directions.

After slipping on the grass as his weight shifted, Smith was able to recover the ball with the tip of his fingers while on the ground.

The banter would continue for the rest of the night with no more goals being allowed.

The Streaks would settle for a tie in their fourth game of the season, leaving their record at 2-1-1.

"LaBelle is a tough team. This game was equal to the games I see in district play," commented Bowyer. "And that really helps keep our level of play up for when we get into district matches."

The Lady Streaks were on the road at LaBelle Monday but came up short in a 3-1 loss to the Cowgirls.

Alina San Miguel got the lone score for Sebring, while keeper Shannon Bloemsma was able to fend off 19 shots on goal.

Continuing the home and away slate, the Blue Streak boys hosted Winter Haven while the ladies traveled to face the Blue Devils.

On Thursday, the boys are on the road for a game against their main district rivals, Auburndale, while the Lady Streaks host the Bloodhounds.