Serra earns tie against soccer powerhouse

Both teams came out with an aggressive style of play, a sure indication that the game would not only be close, but also high in contact and fouls. It wouldn't be long before this proved to be true, as a Serra player collided with a Bellarmine player in what amounted to a "clothesline" by the Serra player, in the words of Bellarmine Head Coach Ed Sarrett. However, the referees did not see it that way and no foul was called, a move that may have set the tone for a hard-fought, physically played match.

Serra (4-2-3, 2-0-3) got things going first offensively with an early goal by forward Igwe Kelechi. Shortly afterward, Bellarmine (2-0-2, 9-1-3) tied the game with a goal off the foot of senior midfielder Darrin Domingo.

The remainder of the first half featured gritty soccer on both sides of the ball, with instances of brilliant passing and defense. Particualrly impressive was the Bellarmine ballers' uncanny heading ability, which at times was nearly flawless and kept Serra players at a disadvantage on balls in the air. In one instance, midfielder Shawn Grace took a header from across the field and headed it beautifully over several Serra players to a streaking Chris Loew, who took the pass just beyond the midfield line and was able to put a shot on goal.

The shot was blocked by keeper Kevin Huber, but the momentum was shifting to Bellarmine's side. The Bells took numerous shots and Serra's defense looked like it might break, prompting a sense of urgency from the Serra bench.

The physical play did not diminish in the second half, as players took more risks in an effort to make plays that would swing the game in their team's favor. Five yellow cards would be given out on the day, a high total for a prep game.

"The number of yellow cards didn't surprise me at all," said Sarrett. "They're a physical team, but I think we battled hard against them."

Serra Head Coach Enrique Aparichio agreed that the game was played very physically, explaining "They always play a physical game with us, so we have to be physical too."

The second half saw more superior individual play from Bellarmine, which again flirted with opportunities around the net for a goal. Grace got his head on a Bellarmine header at the post to deny a Bells goal. Bellarmine's Matt Moore had an open shot in front of the goal, again requiring the Serra defense to step up, and minutes later Paul Moran sent a rocket from 30 yards about a pantleg's length above the corner of the post and crossbar.

But the kids from Serra did not quit fighting, and as dusk fell on the Bellarmine field, the Padres again felt an urgency, this time to push the ball harder against the Bells' defense. Although not more than one or two shots were put on goal, Serra brought heat to the Bellarmine keeper with efforts from Kelechi and the feisty Ross Stilleson, an encouraging example to Serra fans of what the Padres are capable of doing.

"There were times [in this game] when the guys played better than they ever had," said Aparichio. "Our midfielders, [Tony] Gonzales and Kelechi, were outstanding. They were able to hold them and cut off the middle of the field to them."

These two teams meet again on January 23 at Serra, where the players expect another tough match and hope to gain bragging rights.