With many players returning, L.C. boys soccer team optimistic about next season

With many players returning, L.C. boys soccer team optimistic about next season

Keeper makes brilliant saves to keep L.C. in game

By Nate Ulrich - nate.ulrich@nwi.com, (219) 933-3374 | Posted: Sunday, November 1, 2009 12:00 am |

JOHN J. WATKINS | THE TIMES A shot by Zionsville's Harrison Petts (not pictured) gets past a diving Lake Central goalkeeper Brandon Cloutier for the game's only goal at Saturday's state semifinals. Cloutier made eight saves in the game, several in spectacular fashion.

INDIANAPOLIS | Lake Central junior goalkeeper Brandon Cloutier made save after dazzling save Saturday in a semifinal of the 16th annual State Finals at Kuntz Memorial Stadium.

Unfortunately for the Indians' boys soccer team, Cloutier's brilliant performance couldn't keep them from falling 1-0 to Zionsville. His highlights, however, did make a lasting impression.

"He did a great job today," Indians junior midfielder Chad Rigg said of Cloutier. "He made several saves that kept us in the game."

Perhaps the most impressive of Cloutier's eight saves was in the 33rd minute, when he stopped Zionsville senior forward Dylan Mares' first breakaway attempt.

About four minutes later, Mares had another breakaway and fired a shot that sailed high over the goal.

"I think they were scared of him, honestly," L.C. coach Jereme Rainwater said of Cloutier. "In the first half, when they had the breakaway and the kid put it over, that's not typical of Dylan Mares. I think it was because of a little bit of intimidation. Some of the big saves that Brandon made early caused that."

Many to return: Of the 25 players on L.C.'s varsity roster, only three -- forward Eppokrates Litos, midfielder Fabian Urquiza and defender Jared Schreiber -- are seniors.

"We had the least amount of seniors of any team down here at the state tournament, and I think that's a good indication of where we're gonna play last year," Rainwater said. "I think a lot of people might recognize that by our performance today."


Click here to read more.....