Final four newcomer Central encounters SLUH in today's semis

Central's boys soccer team seemed to have everything going against them Saturday night in a 4-3 triple-overtime quarterfinal win over Marquette.

The Tigers racked up five yellow cards, allowed a much taller Marquette team to take numerous corner kicks and free kicks deep in the offensive zone, and allowed their highest goal total all season. Despite it all, Central found a way to keep its undefeated season going and move into the final four.

"It's been a neat year," Central coach Tom Doyle said. "I don't know what's going to happen the next two days."

Now in the final four for the first time, the Tigers (26-0) are surrounded by Missouri high school soccer royalty -- Rockhurst (22-5), Chaminade (24-3-3) and St. Louis University High (24-2-2). The three schools have combined for 27 final four appearances and own two titles apiece.

Rockhurst has made six straight final four appearances and Chaminade has appeared in four of the last five. They have combined for four of the last five state titles, with Chaminade the two-time defending champion.

And while Central may look the most out of place of the four teams, the Tigers have gone a long way this season in proving they belong. Tonight at 6 p.m. on the main field of the Anheuser-Busch Center, the Tigers will take another step in proving their program's up-and-coming status when they take on SLUH.

"I think we've gotten a lot of recognition this year," Central forward Heath Orr said. "Hopefully this is the start of Cape Central soccer down here."

Tiger fans will recognize some SLUH players from last year, when the Junior Billikens routed Central in a sectional matchup at Houck Stadium. Central's team comes in a year older and riding a 26-game winning streak placing them as the only undefeated team remaining in the state.

"We're not even worried about last year's game," Orr said.

Central suffered a 4-0 loss to SLUH last season, which was the last time the Tigers lost. Central has more than 100 goals this season, led by Orr's 35.

The Tigers will face another potent offense in tonight. Joe Germanese, voted an all-American by the Missouri State High School Soccer Coaches Association, leads a Junior Bills offense which comes in with 115 goals.

"For me, there's no pressure on us since we're not expected to beat SLUH," Doyle said. "I think the first goal will be very important. We play a lot better ahead than from behind, and against a good team its hard to come back."

Of course, Central's team has gone farther than any team in the program's history, and for the Tigers' 13 seniors this weekend will be their last chance to shine on the high school stage.

"They all know this is their last hurrah," Doyle said. "It's a lot more fun to win than to lose."