Lions Fall 2-0 to Suncoast in Preseason Soccer Opener

RIVIERA BEACH — In a preseason matchup on Wednesday evening, the Olympic Heights Lions girls' soccer team fell to the Suncoast Chargers 2-0. The game was the first meeting between the teams since Olympic Heights spoiled Suncoast's undefeated season three years ago.

The contest started with the Lions on their heels, allowing three corner kicks in the first 90 seconds. While the Chargers controlled possession for much of the first half, they were unable to generate any quality scoring chances. Olympic Heights had opportunities of their own, with Ava Vecchio and Sienna Higgott setting up chances one that was saved off the left foot of Alexa Araya and or narrowly missed the far post runner.

A key moment for the Lions came late in the first half when a Suncoast shot slipped past goalkeeper Ava Finnerty and was cleared off the goal line by defender Rita Damico. The half ended in a 0-0 tie, with Finnerty recording three saves.

The Chargers found their rhythm in the second half. After an early long shot was saved by new keeper Evelyn Soroka-Quiroz, Suncoast broke the scoreless tie in the 9th minute. In the 68th minute, a cross from the right side found a far-post runner who put the ball into the back of the net for a 2-0 lead.

Despite the deficit, the Lions continued to fight. Ava Vecchio, Alma Geschwind, and Victoria Dasilva all had scoring opportunities, but the Suncoast defense held firm. Soroka-Quiroz finished the night with five saves.

"We did not get the results we were looking for on the scoreboard, but I saw what I was looking to see, and we did not give up" said the Olympic Heights coach. "We made some basic mistakes, all of which are fixable, and getting back on the same page will take some time, but we are going to be fine".