TAMPA — Abby Bravo scored twice in a span of 10 minutes as shorthanded Tampa Prep held off pesky visiting Lakeland McKeel 2-1.
“We were a little panicked (Thursday) and had some trouble finishing,” Bravo said. “But all in all, I think we did fine. And we won.”
Tampa Prep (11-8-1) played the majority of the game without leading scorer Darla Harrison, who left early with a quadriceps injury.
Coach Cindy Schofield said she expects Harrison to be available Tuesday, when the Terrapins host Holy Names.
“At this point in the season, there is no time to rest,” Schofield said. “She’ll be fine.”
With Harrison out, Bravo picked up the slack. The senior, mostly a back-line player, scored her sixth and seventh goals of the season.
“Abby has been awesome,” Schofield said. “She’s leading this team on and off the field.”
Bravo’s first goal came in the eighth minute. She settled a ball near the left corner of the 18-yard box, cut across the field and turned toward goal. Keeper Soleil Baker blocked the initial attempt, but Bravo corralled the rebound and walked it in.
Cierra Terry tied in the 16th minute with a looping strike from just inside the box. But Bravo answered one minute later. Harrison hit the crossbar with a shot, and Bravo was there for the tap-in.
Said Bravo: “Right place, right time.”
Holy Names 6, Lake Placid 0: The Jaguars (16-2) easily rebounded from their second loss of the year in a dominant road victory. AHN’s goals came from six players: Julia Lester, Julia Metzger, Audrey Cooper, Gabrielle Tremonti, Olivia Ferrone and Hannah Menendez. The Jaguars’ fifth shutout in their past six games sets up Tuesday’s game against Tampa Prep, which beat the Jaguars 2-0 in the district final.