Comets defeat Saints, move on to quarterfinal match with Newman

By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

St. Charles advanced to the quarterfinal round of the Division III state playoffs on Thursday as it defeated host West Feliciana, 3-1.

By winning, the Comets (13-10) set up a match with host Newman, which was played on Tuesday after press time. Newman defeated Northlake Christian 2-0 in the regional round to advance.

St. Charles scored all three of its goals in the first half, and led comfortably after halftime.

The Saints entered with an aggressive game plan, looking to get on the board early and seize momentum.

But in doing so, West Feliciana made its defense vulnerable, pressing its offense up and leaving lanes open in the defense for St. Charles to exploit.

“We were faster than they were, so when they did that we were able to pass it up through the defense and score on some good shots,” said St. Charles Coach Rick Woodroof.

Peter Lambert-Oswald got the Comets started with their first goal.

Michael Weber followed with the game’s second, and John Abbate added one final score before the half.

St. Charles’ defense has been rock solid all year, and once again the Comets were able to limit an opposing team. West Feliciana (3-15) did not score until the match’s late stages, when Woodroof had subbed in some of his second teamers.

He says that the veteran makeup of the Comets makes them a tough bunch to score upon.

“They’ve played together for several seasons. They’re pretty seasoned,” said Woodroof. “They communicate well in the back. They’re just good defenders, ones who work well together.”

The win meant that St. Charles has now officially advanced further than last year’s squad, which was eliminated in overtime by St. Martin’s in the regional round.

Woodroof said that he anticipated a tough match with Newman (16-6-2), another veteran presence in the postseason.

He’s seen them before – Newman defeated St. Charles on Jan. 2, 3-2.

“They’ve got a pretty elite group. We’ll have to play with a lot of heart and be very organized. “