- April 18, 2024
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In the soccer rivalry that keeps on giving, the Flagler Palm Coast Bulldogs defeated the Spruce Creek Hawks 4-2, to win the District 2-5A Championship Saturday Jan. 24, at FPC High School.
The match was originally scheduled on Friday, but due to the weather storm, both teams agreed to call it off after playing for eight minutes.
The Bulldogs struck first with a goal by Stanley Joseph that was assisted by Julio Adao. Shortly after, they found the back of the net again with a goal by Pablo Felix to put FPC up 2-0. After Spruce Creek got on the board with a late first-half goal, Julio Adao kicked a ball that was deflected off a Spruce Creek defender into the net just seconds before halftime.
After the majority of the second half, Buchanan Mercius scored a fourth goal that put the game out of reach for the Hawks. Adao, Joseph, Felix and Anthony Smith each assisted on FPC’s goals.
“This was gratifying,” coach Reg Monsanto said. “We were a little nervous, because we beat them twice during the season, so we knew they’d be coming for blood. Credit the offense for putting a lot of pressure on them, but we have to credit the defense for holding them off.”
FPC and Spruce Creek have played for the district championship for four straight years, and with this win, they have split the title series.
“There are always some good battles,” Monsanto added. “They respect us, and we respect them, so hopefully, we will see them again next year and keep it going.”
The Bulldogs will open regional play against the Fletcher Senators 7 p.m. Thursday Jan. 29, at FPC High School.
