Ike Soccer Eases into Regional Semifinal

Yes, they are that good.

The Eagles remain unbeaten on the season (18-0-2) and turned on the scoring when they needed to Saturday afternoon to defeat Romeo 4-0 and take the Division 1 district soccer championship. 

Ike coach Mehrdad Nekoogar was able to shade five of this starters from the 90-degree heat by sitting them in the first half which ended at 0-0.

"No disrespect to the Romeo team, obviously, but I knew we had enough power that I wanted to give my bench a lot of playing time and also give the stars a little rest before Tuesday's game," Nekoogar said. "I had five starters resting in the first half.  I wanted my bench to feel that they are part of the district championship, and they worked really hard out there."

Those five starters made their way into the game in the second half and helped themselves to four goals.

Seniors Aubrey Sudomier and Megan Marsack each scored twice for Ike.

The first and most beautiful goal of the match came with 35:01 remaining in the second half. At 25 yards out, Sudomier put on a dribbling exhibition, beating five Bulldogs before cutting sharply into the 18-yard box and going directly for the keeper. Sudomier made one last move before tucking the ball into the net.

Romeo's goalkeeper freshman Marina Manzo was strong throughout the game and made many key saves especially in the first half.

"The Romeo goalkeeper really should be the MVP of the game," said Nekoogar. "She is a very good goalie and that's why they were in it in the first half."

Sudomier's second goal was scored three minutes later off a textbook pass off the left wing from Marsack.

Marsack scored at 13:14 off a rebound from junior Sophie Maccagnone's 35-yard free kick and then again from a simple give-and-go play with Sudomier.

Maccagnone held down the fort the whole game, working tirelessly in the middle to control the play and create scoring chances. 

"Sophie is a workaholic," said Nekoogar.  "She's smart, she knows how to dribble the ball. I would say right now she is probably the best player in the state, hands down." 

"I was excited about this game and really pumped to come out and win the district finals," said Maccagnone. "We feel this our year and we are the strongest now.  We all really want it and have been working hard this year."

The No. 2-ranked Eagles will face the No. 3-ranked Troy Athens on Tuesday night in the regional semifinals.