ORLANDO ― It’s been a historic year for McKeel boys’ soccer.
Last year the Wildcats won their first playoff game. And this year the program advanced to the Class 4A state semifinals for the first time in school history. But the season came to an end after a 2-0 loss to the No. 3 team in Class 4A, Orlando Bishop Moore Saturday night in Orlando.
“…Tough game. Bishop Moore, we knew they were a good squad; we lost to them last year here, 6-0,” McKeel head soccer coach Tanner Adams said. “…Tonight is 2-0. I know we improved a little bit, but you can see they were in control of the game from start to finish. … I don’t think we were fast enough on the ball. We weren’t creative. They were crisp every time pretty much. But they beat us. (That’s) pretty straightforward.”
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It’s also pretty straightforward that McKeel’s best goal scorer hasn’t been able to lace his cleats up all year due to injury. Senior Jacob DeJesus suffered a torn meniscus in a practice right after tryouts earlier in the season.
With DeJesus being out, it was easier for Bishop Moore to key in on senior Calvin Steel — McKeel’s leading goal scorer with 18.
Offensively, McKeel tired out because of Bishop Moore’s depth all over the field. Bishop Moore head coach Tom Hage put in his second group before putting back in the first unit, all night, which led to two goals for senior Diego Nolasco Troconnis, who scored 18 minutes into the game and with six minutes left in the contest. Troconnis missed the state run last year because of injury.
“They put up a very good fight. We played them last year and (we had) a much easier time last year than this year,” Hage said. “…His program was phenomenal this year. I give them all the credit in the world because they played a hell of a game defensively.”
As for next year, McKeel (13-5) will be returning six of the 11 starters. Nine seniors will be graduating, and five of those nine were starting consistently.
“I hope we can get a few kids that can come out and have been in this school. … Hopefully we get a few kids that are ready to step up in JV,” Adams said.
