Winter Haven, Lake Wales Advance to 3A Semifinals

Tue. January 22, 2013 at 2:00 a.m. | By Bill Kemp

By BILL KEMP

LEDGER MEDIA GROUP

LAKE WALES | Tenoroc goalkeeper Kyle Gilmer played so well on Monday, a referee shook his hand at halftime.

The Titans' senior goalkeeper held the Winter Haven offense scoreless in the first half of the Class 3A, District 13 boys soccer tournament at Legion Field, but the Blue Devils' offense erupted for four goals in a span of four minutes in the second half to seize a 4-0 win.

"In the second half, when the crosses were there, we had somebody in front of the keeper. We had to get him out of position," Winter Haven head coach Bill Desmond said.

Winter Haven (8-11-2) will face Sebring at 6 p.m. today in a semifinals matchup while Lake Wales (8-11-2) will face Auburndale in the second game. The Highlanders defeated McKeel Academy 5-2 in the second game.

After a scoreless first half, Tenoroc appeared to be in contention for its first win of the season despite only having 12 players.

The Blue Devils kept the ball deep in Tenoroc territory throughout the first half, but the Titans' defense stifled several Winter Haven scoring opportunities.

Blue Devils freshman Juan Bautista ended the scoring drought at the 35:13 mark of the second half.

"The first goal, they switched the field and they caught me sliding over," Gilmer said.

The lead quickly moved to 4-0 on a John Edmond score and pair of goals by senior Aaron Kirin, including a header at the 29:40 mark.

"Their goalie (Gilmer) is an amazing goalie, He has heart and he can play," Kirin said.

In the second game, forward Jonathan Smith scored four goals to pace the Highlanders.