SPRING HILL — Previously undefeated Bishop McLaughlin had the opportunity to clinch the top seed in Class A, District 5 Thursday but fell short.
In an intense match, Carrollwood Day jumped out to a quick lead and won 2-1.
The Patriots (12-3-1, 12-1-1) lost the teams’ first meeting, 3-1 at home on Dec. 3. This time, they set the tone with aggressive play.
“I told the guys that we just had to be about doing the best we can and getting better every game,” Carrollwood Day coach Jim Harte said.
“They were physical, and we were physical.”
The Patriots were called for two fouls over the first five minutes. The Hurricanes (12-1-2, 10-1-2) were called for their first in the seventh minute. On the ensuing free kick, John Frost connected with Spencer Peek in front of the net, and Peek’s seventh goal of the season made it 1-0.
“Once it was 1-0, I knew the next goal was probably going to win the game,” Bishop McLaughlin coach John Mayer said. “We really needed a game like this; to get bumped around and fall behind.”
The Hurricanes were called for nine fouls compared with three for the Patriots. And Bishop McLaughlin’s Alex Stafford and Noah Clanahan received yellow cards in the first and second half, respectively.
Carrollwood made it 2-0 eight minutes into the second half as a scurry in front of the net ended with a ricochet shot by Michael Morse, his first goal of the season.
The Hurricanes drew within one on Eric Pitton’s 16th goal of the season with 13 minutes left. But Patriots keeper Corey Shamley (six saves) held off the charge.