Hubs too much for Rebels in 2A West playoffs

October 25, 2008|By Jack Hill III

Senior striker Michael Baer had a hat trick for No. 6-seed North Hagerstown in a 6-1 victory over No. 11-seed South Hagerstown in Friday's Maryland Class 2A West first round boys soccer game.

Baer's scoring ignited the Hubs' offense as they ended the Rebels's season and secured a quarterfinal date Tuesday night at 6:30 at Northwood.

Baer's three goals give him 20 this season.

"We were ready for this game," Baer said. "We had the home-field advantage, so we came out strong. My players got me the ball at the right time. I just happened to be in the right spot. ... If we play like this, we have a chance to go far in the playoffs."

Hubs coach Glen Singer has been impressed with Baer.

"Michael is tough," Singer said. "He has a great shot. As long as he is playing within the framework of the team, he is a dangerous player."

Baer opened the scoring in the 29th minute on an unassisted goal from the left side.

A minute later, Baer scored another goal through the middle on an assist by Alex Rauch.

In the 36th minute, junior striker Nelson Moreno scored on a penalty kick to give the Hubs (11-4) a 3-0 halftime lead.

"I think we came out a little bit slow," Singer said. "South came out a little bit harder than us. They were beating us to the ball. Once we got the first goal, we were able to match their intensity. I think, for the most part, our defense played pretty well."

Ben Stone scored the only goal for South (1-13-1) in the 44th minute to trim the Hubs' lead to 3-1.

"North has a good team," Rebels coach Marc David said. "They have good control of the ball and they pass very well. They had us chasing the ball quite a few times. It doesn't matter what the score is, my kids never quit. I think that is a good testament to their character."

The Hubs closed out the scoring with three second-half goals. Baer got his third goal in the 59th minute on an assist by Dino Gilmanov. Matt Johnston scored on an assist by Alex Henry in the 66th minute. Courtney Bully scored on an assist by Moreno in the 72nd minute.

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