Bear booters make statement in win over Nederland

[KFDM COOP]

Bear booters make statement in win over Nederland

Special to the Leader

The Orange Leader

LITTLE CYPRESS — The Little Cypress-Mauriceville Bears boys soccer team won a dramatic district contest against the Nederland Bulldogs Friday night at home at Battlin’ Bear Stadium.

After the game ended in a 1-1 tie in double overtime, the Bears won the shoot-out 2-1. The victory earned the Bears two points in the district standings.

By the excited and thankful look on Bears Head Coach Matt Wedel's face, it was clear this Bears win was significant.

“I have never been more proud of a team's performance,†said an exhausted Wedel, of his team's hard-fought effort.

Not only did the Bears fight a strong Bulldog team, they also battled rain, cold, and a very sloppy field. In the first half, the Bulldogs scored first when Bear defenders lost their footing on the slippery field for a 1-0 lead. Bear senior Brad Hearn responded with a goal from 25 yards out that curved inside the near post and snaked past the Nederland goalie.

Throughout the first half, LCM's defense was bailed out on numerous occasions by senior goalie Ethan McKay and Junior Brett Heil. The first half ended in a 1-1tie.

In the second half, the Bears appeared to gain momentum. At least three Bears' shots on goal were denied when they collided with the goal post. As the contest continued, seniors Logan Tarver, Seth Artega, and Jared Fall were critical in keeping the game scoreless through the second half.

The teams exhaustdly battled each other in two scoreless overtime periods. The teams pressed on to the shoot-out.

Three players brought the victory to the Bears during the shoot-out. McKay prevented all but one shot from scoring. Senior Craig Leger connected for the Bears first point. And with the Bears down to their final kick, sophmore Scott Karasik nailed his shot to secure victory for the Bears. The Karasik goal caused his teamates and the home crowd to burst into cheers.

"It was a phenomenal game", said a thrilled Coach Wedel. "Nederland is a great team, but our kids were up to the task. Ethan McKay proved once again that he is a dominant goalie."

The memorable win was a hard earned team effort. And for the Bears, a most satisfying night for a team that proved that it will be in the thick of the playoff hunt.

The Bears will continue their quest Tuesday when they play host to defending district champion Beaumont Central.

[captainofthepirateship]

i guess i have to say good job.

i can't wait till we get to stomp those little cub scouts back into there tiny cave again.

be ready for us.

peace,love,andPirateSoccer

[jcb6790]

i guess i have to say good job.

i can't wait till we get to stomp those little cub scouts back into there tiny cave again.

be ready for us.

peace,love,andPirateSoccer

you should probably wait to talk until after yall play.

[WellRead]

    Congratulations to LC-M on a great win! They appear to be a team to be reckoned with this year. Question - does my memory fail me or is the last sentence of the article incorrect? I thought sure the Lumberton Raiders were district champions last year. Anyway, Tuesday night's LC-M game will be an important game. Gather up your fans and root your favorite team on.

    And by the way, call in your score to Mike Friedman at Channel 6 after the game. (He asked for callers again Friday night.) Let's get these soccer players (boys and girls) the attention they deserve!

    Channel 6 sports- 409 895-4672 (Hope you don't mind Coop)

[jcb6790]

Thats what i thought too.. Im almost 100% positive that Lumberton are the defending district champs

[Nike5]

CORRECT YOU ARE SIR  ;D Lumberton was District Champs last year which would make them Defending District Champs this year... Simply a editorial error im sure. [glow=red,2,300]A mistake that should be fixed might i add[/glow]