Soccer hopes rest with Pace
Friday night was a big soccer night for Santa Rosa County, unfortunately both games involved its arch nemesis, Niceville.
After a 1-0 win in the first round of the Girls Region 1-4A over Mosley in Panama City, the Lady Patriots (18-4) will once again face the team who defeated them a week ago for the District 1-4A title in overtime.
Lana Chechak scored Pace’s only goal of the game with about five minutes left in regulation on a free kick for the win.
While Chechak provided the big boot, it was Katelyn Burkhart’s nine saves in net that made the win possible.
Chechak’s goal was the first one for the Lady Patriots in almost two full games, when you count the district fina14-5ls loss to Niceville.
“We have had a history of scoring a number of goals, but once you get to this point in the season…a lot of goals don’t get score because of the talent every team faces,” said Pace head coach Joey Goodwin. “The team is very excited about a chance to play Niceville again. They are very good, but we feel we have a great opportunity to win the game.”
On the other side of the coin Friday, the Pace boys soccer team will face Niceville in the District 1-4A finals, also at Niceville on Friday.
Pace (14-5) will face off against tourney host Niceville on Friday as well.
The Patriots advanced to the finals by defeating Fort Walton Beach Wednesday night 2-1.
Jacob Breeland, who has scored four of the Patriots five goals, found the back of the net on both occasions for Pace in the win.
Breeland also had two goals and an assist in the Patriots 3-2 win over Crestview on Tuesday.
Pace jumped out to a 3-0 lead before being held scoreless for 57 minutes as the Bulldogs attempted a late rally in the second half.
In the District 2-3A soccer tournament in Panama City it was Panama City Arnold defeating Milton 4-2.
Milton (7-11-2) and Arnold had split the season matchups heading into this game, but it was the Marlins who jumped out to an early 2-0 lead before Milton cut the first half margin in half.
Tim Dempsey volleyed Avery McNeal’s long free kick from near midfield past the Marlins’ netminder josh Murphy, who had the ball deflect into the net off his hands.
Arnold would go up 4-1 until the 75th minute when Milton’s Eric Abenojar found the right corner of the net from 15 yards out.
