St. John’s soccer playoff dreams end
Published 12:03 am Saturday, February 13, 2016
- Goalkeeper Evan Kenney and Ryan Roussel jump up to defend their goal for Riverside during the Rebels’ 7-1 loss Wednesday in the second round of the state playoffs. (Chadna Gauthier/SUBMITTED)
LAFAYETTE —The prep soccer season came to a difficult end Wednesday as the remaining three local teams were eliminated from the playoffs.
Riverside’s Tyler Gauthier moves through a defender on the way to scoring a goal during Wednesday’s playoff game.
The Riverside Academy boys team, seeded No. 14 in the Division IV bracket, lost to No. 3 seed Episcopal School of Acadiana, 7-1, in Lafayette. The Rebels gave up a pair of penalty kicks in the opening minutes of the game and trailed 4-0 at the half. Tyler Gauthier scored the lone goal for the Rebels, who finished 10-6-2.
“We dug ourselves a hole early,” said Rebels coach Jonathan Reed. “Hats off to a well-rounded Episcopal team. They were much deserving of the win.”
Tyler Gauthier and Shane Boudreaux address the ball before Gauthier’s goal.
After a two-hour delay when referees failed to show, the No. 17 seeded St. Charles Catholic boys lost to No. 1 seed Catholic of New Iberia, 3-1. The Comets took a tougher loss, though, when starting goalkeeper, Matthew Templet, was injured midway through the first half. Coaches reported the junior took a kick to the face from an opposing player and suffered several facial fractures.
“He’s easily one of the best goalies in the state,” Comets coach Sean LeBlanc said.
The Comets led 1-0 at the half on a goal by Carter Duhe, but the Panthers tied it and took the lead in the second half.
“We played fantastic,” LeBlanc said. “We just couldn’t close the deal. “
The Riverside girls, seeded No. 10 in the Division IV bracket, lost to No. 7 Ascension Episcopal, 4-2, Wednesday.
The Lady Rebels were without a couple of starters, including Lindsay Oubre, who broke her leg during softball practice this week. Maddie Duhon scored both goals for Riverside. Her first came about 10 minutes into the first half. Riverside miscues led to a pair of goals for the Gators, then Riverside gave up a corner kick for a goal to trail 3-1 at the half. Duhon scored her second goal on a free kick in the second half.
“Lack of experience in the defensive line caused individual mistakes and that was costly,” Riverside coach Mert Deger said. “I think our young players got plenty of experience this year. I’m proud of my girls, though. Getting 13 wins this season is big for us. It gives me a hopeful look at the next season.”
It was a historic season for all three teams. Riverside’s boys, who won their first two playoff games in school history last season, won their third playoff game this year.
Riverside’s girls won their first district championship since 2011 and their first playoff game since 2012. The Lady Rebels finished 13-4-3.
St. Charles Catholic’s boys won the District 6-IV championship for the first time since 2008 then got to the second round for the third year in a row. The Comets finished 7-9-2.
