CAPE CENTRAL SOCCER SQUAD FACES VIANNEY

In its 15-year history, the Cape Girardeau Central High boys soccer team has had a great deal of success against area teams, winning six Class 4A, District 1 crowns, including the 3-2 overtime victory over top-seeded Jackson last Wednesday.

A sectional victory, however, has eluded the Tigers in five attempts. Cape Central coach Tom Doyle thinks it's time to forget about the past as the Tigers (13-10-3) prepare to face the Vianney Golden Griffins (11-9-5) at 5:30 p.m. today at the Anheuser-Busch Conference & Sports Centre in Fenton."I'm sure they are the favorite," said Doyle. "We're the underdog. They have a rich tradition, but we have a petty good background, too. We just haven't gotten over the hump to win a sectional; but there has to be a first time."I watched them (Vianney) play Oakville for their district championship. They have three guys with a lot of speed, but I like our chances. I feel like we can play with them."The Tigers had won the 4A, District 1 title five consecutive years from 1992-1996. Over the last two years, however, Cape Central has went through a bit of a drought, failing to win a district match.

The Golden Griffins will not be a pushover for Cape Central by any means. Vianney has one of the league's best goalkeepers in Rico Lange, who has recorded six shutouts against a tough schedule. The Golden Griffins' top scorer is Sean McMullen with eight goals five were game winners and five assists, for 21 points. David Buchek has eight goals and three assists. Brian Bashwiner has six goals and four assists.

Over Doyle's 10 years as head coach, he believes that this Tiger team is the hardest working group he's ever had."I've challenged them to be the team to win the first sectional game in school history," said Doyle. "If we play our game by staying tight defensively, then a winning outcome is a good possibility."An important part of that defensive strategy will be goalkeeper Trevor Blattner, who has recorded eight shutouts."I think we have to play a complete team game," said Doyle. " When you play a good team like Vianney and you have a breakdown, they will burn you. We normally only score about two goals a game, so we'll have to step it up offensively if we are to win."In 26 games this season, Cape Central has notched 60 goals, while allowing only 33.

The Tigers' leading scorer is Chris Cole, with 16 goals and nine assists. Brett McNabb has 12 goals while Jon Mark Thompson leads the team in assists, with 10, to go along with 10 goals.