University Lab boys head to Newman with momentum, bigger goals

Jerit Roser, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune, February 15, 2013 10:40 p.m.

Stephen Vick's stoppage-time free kick into the net Wednesday sent University Lab to a fifth Division-III semifinal in six seasons.

The long game-winner made Louisiana High School Athletic Association history by placing three teams from the same district in the soccer playoffs' penultimate round.

But the senior captain's goal wasn't enough to achieve the Cubs' top priority ? just enough to claim a step on that path.

No. 5 U-High visits No. 1 Newman at 7 p.m. Saturday in New Orleans after Friday's 2-1 quarterfinal defeat of Northlake Christian.

Beating the Greenies and securing a spot in next week's state championship game will start with Vick's more prominent duty on the other side of the field.

"The key for us is how we defend," U-High Coach Chris Mitchell said. "Not only as a team, but as individuals. They have a lot of technical players that can beat you."

The Cubs' success has begun with its defense all season, Mitchell said.

Centerback Vick leads much of that performance on a junior-heavy squad.

"And behind him, we've got an eighth-grade goalie (Matthew Johnson), who has been a pleasant surprise to say the least," Mitchell said. "He's done really well. Last year, we had a veteran senior goalie (Hunter Smithburg), but we were younger everywhere else, so when he leaves, you kind of go, 'Oh my gosh, what's going to happen?'"

More of the same success apparently.

And Mitchell would love to see those previous trips help matters Saturday, but he knows Newman also brings plenty of experience to the table.

The Greenies have reached back-to-back quarterfinals since dropping U-High in the 2009 and 2010 state title games.

"I think (our experience) is going to help ? I mean we're counting on that," Mitchell said. "For our team, last year's semifinals was kind of an icebreaker, and hopefully it pays dividends. But we'll be at Newman, and they've been to this point a countless number of times, so I think it's kind of a wash. We'll also both be familiar with each other since we do play ever year."

U-High and Newman played to a 1-1 tie earlier this season.

?

Source: http://highschoolsports.nola.com/news/article/8561896656574023105/university-lab-boys-head-to-newman-with-momentum-bigger-goals/

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