Seabreeze Sandcrabs finish second in District 4-5A boys soccer

Seabreeze’s boys’ soccer team was knocked out of contention for the 5A state championship final with a 3-0 loss to the Stanton Blue Devils Tuesday, Feb. 23.

Both teams were energized and ready to compete as the whistle blew for the Region 1 final kickoff. Within the first five minutes, Seabreeze’s second top scorer with 13 season goals, Noah Korfant, was forced out of the game with a knee injury. Down an experienced forward, the Sandcrabs were in for an uphill battle against the Blue Devils, known for their defensive style of play. Stanton did not disappoint as defender, Ethan Alesch, maneuvered the ball into position for a Devils’ highly contested first goal.

Stanton continued their onslaught, scoring two more unanswered goals prior to halftime. In an attempt to offset Seabreeze’s goal deficit, coach Jon Kinsler changed the team’s tactics at halftime.

“We are going to our 3-3-4 (formation). Gabe you are going to be in the middle now with Myers." explained coach Kinsler. "Go play. It’s a game you love. I love it. Do you love it? Show me.”

In the last five minutes of the game, University of North Florida commit Chance Shamlou maneuvered inside the box for a cross to the middle, deflected by a Blue Devils’ defender. Shamlou continued his runs on goal during the second half up until the very last seconds of the game.

He wraps up the season as the Sandcrabs' lead scorer with 15 points, as Hogan Michael finishes as the team's lead in assists with 10. The Seabreeze Sandcrabs finish second in District 4-5A boys soccer.

“Tough game tonight,” Seabreeze coach Rob Bowling said. “Boys were obviously upset, but we are so proud of them. Going to miss that bunch.”