Tigers seek first sectional victory today

The Class 4A, District 1 champion Cape Central Tigers hope this is the year they can snap a string of futility in the sectional round of the state soccer tournament.

Cape Central meets District 2 champion DeSmet today at the Anheuser-Busch Soccer & Conference Centre in Fenton, Mo., at 5 p.m.

Seven-time district champions, the Tigers have come up short in each previous sectional game.

But Central coach Tom Doyle, in his 12th year with the program, feels pretty good about this Tiger team.

"Overall, as a team, we're as solid as any I've had," he said. "This team has more skills and speed, up and down the lineup, than any I've had."

Led by all-state midfielder Jon Mark Thompson, who holds the career goal-scoring record (60) and shares the single-season mark (26), the Tigers (23-3-1) strengths are a solid passing game and an aggressive defense.

Goalkeeper Trevor Blattner, with 11 shutouts this season, has proven he's capable of keeping opponents out of the net.

DeSmet claimed its district title with a 2-1 win over Ritenour. The Spartans (14-6-8) compete in the always tough Metro Catholic Conference in St. Louis.

Not an offensive juggernaut, DeSmet only scored 34 goals and had no single player with more than eight, but they have the ability to shut teams down as 23 goals allowed in 28 games indicate. Brian Forest, DeSmet's primary goalie, has given up 18 goals and recorded eight shutouts.

Cape Central outscored its opponents by a 90-21 margin, albeit, against weaker competition.

As for common opponents, both teams have played Francis Howell North. Cape Central lost to Francis Howell 7-4 early in the season, while DeSmet beat them 3-1 and tied 1-1.

Doyle said the Tigers will play a ball-control game if it hopes to finally break through at the sectional level.

"We have to control the ball and pick our spots," said Doyle. "We just can't go all out on offense all the time, and kicking the long ball won't get it done."