SPRING HILL — Teams sitting atop their districts trudged across a muddy field Thursday, and with three minutes remaining, it looked like the Pasco County team would get the win.
A late Springstead goal changed that. The Bulls and Eagles settled for a 1-1 tie.
The tie tells a different story than the teams’ matchup two weeks ago. The teams met on Wiregrass’ homefield and the Bulls defeated the Eagles 4-1 in a decisive victory.
“I wasn’t disappointed by how we played at all,” Wiregrass coach David Wilson said. “We had a lot of opportunities to score, and their goalie had a lot of good saves.”
The Bulls had 18 shots, while Springstead had nine. Neither team scored in the first half, and fans wondered aloud if they would go scoreless.
The game picked up in the second half. With eight minutes remaining, Matt Bradshaw scored on an assist from Bryce Wilson, putting the Bulls ahead.
Goalkeeper Alex Cypriano had seven saves for Wiregrass Ranch (7-0-2), bringing his total saves this season to 30. Wilson said Cypriano did well calculating when he should run to the line and when he should drop back.
“He controls his box really well,” Wilson said.
Wiregrass Ranch is undefeated in Class 4A, District 8. The Bulls’ next district game is next week as they take on Nature Coast.
Springstead (7-2-1) has just one district loss, which came against Citrus on Monday. Tonight’s game against Central gives the Eagles another opportunity to defend their position in Class 3A, District 7.
Looking forward, Wilson mentioned he was able to sub in just four times because so many of his players are injured.
“We have to get healthy again,” he said.