Partly cloudy skies. Low 59F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph..
Partly cloudy skies. Low 59F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.
Updated: April 24, 2024 @ 6:37 pm
Stratford senior goalkeeper Enzo Mori recorded seven shutouts in Region 6-5A play.
Stratford freshman Renzo Gorritti scored the game’s lone goal in a 1-0 win at Goose Creek.
Stratford senior goalkeeper Enzo Mori recorded seven shutouts in Region 6-5A play.
Stratford freshman Renzo Gorritti scored the game’s lone goal in a 1-0 win at Goose Creek.
Stratford High School’s boys soccer team survived an upset bid Tuesday, April 23, fending off pesky crosstown rival Goose Creek High School to complete another shutout in region play.
Freshman Renzo Gorritti scored off a Silas Miller assist in the second half, and senior goalkeeper Enzo Mori kept another clean sheet as the Knights pulled out a 1-0 victory on the road, where the Gators seemingly play their best against Stratford.
“Credit to Goose Creek,” said Stratford coach Jessie Stament. “They always challenge us over here. They fought their hearts out. Their goalie made some really great saves. We were just able to get one into the back of the net.”
The Knights improved to 14-5-1 overall, finishing the Region 6-5A slate as co-region champions with Wando at 7-1. However, Stratford is the top seed for the playoffs because of the goal differential in the two region matches against the Warriors.
Stratford hosts the fourth seed from Region 4-4A Monday, April 29, in the opening round of the playoffs. The second and third rounds are Wednesday, May 1, and Friday, May 3.
“I told the boys at the beginning of the season and last night we have the talent and ability to go all the way,” Stament said. “We have seniors who have been in big games. They’ve been in big moments, so they understand what it takes to win in that moment. They understand how hard it is. You can’t overlook a playoff game. We’ve got to be locked in regardless of who we’re playing. If we can stay focused and stay positive, I feel like we could make it all the way. We also have history working against us. I haven’t seen anywhere where a Stratford team made it out of the second round.”
By successfully getting past Goose Creek, the Knights locked up a share of the region title for the third straight spring. This season, though, they earned the No. 1 seed. The previous two times, Wando was the top seed on goal differential.
Gorritti’s tally was his first as a varsity player and the difference as the Knights hung on to a share of first place.
“There was a lot going on in front of the goal, and he just snuck his way in there,” Stament said. The ball was kind of bouncing around, and he cracked it in. I saw it go into the back of the net, and he ran out the side. I was like, ‘Is that Renzo?’ And it was. It was a huge moment for him.”
On the other end of the pitch, Mori recorded his 11th shutout overall and seventh in region play. He’s part of a large group of seniors nearing the end of their prep careers on Crowfield Boulevard.
“He’s had an impressive season,” Stament said. “I always knew he was going to have a great year. He told me before the year his goal is clean sheets.”
Gorritti is part of the level right before Mori, making his job easier all year. The group includes juniors Tyler Stament, Harold Carranza and Chris Dias. Senior Bryson Jones and sophomore Juan Gomez pitched in on defense, too.
“If we score two goals, it’s going to be hard to beat us,” Stament said. “We know how to defend and protect a lead.”
The Knights cap the regular season Thursday, April 25, at home against Stall (after press time).
Goose Creek dropped to 7-11 overall and 3-5 in the region, tying for third with Cane Bay.
The Gators cap the regular season Wednesday, April 24, against Summerville (after press time).
Seven Berkeley High School softball teams in a row have proven to be the best in their respective regions. Read moreStags lock in Region 6-5A softball crown
Hanahan High School’s baseball team checked off its first primary goal of the season Monday, April 22, successfully navigating Beaufort High School’s upset bid on the road. Read moreHawks repeat as Region 8-3A champions
A four-run l… Read moreStratford eye postseason run on diamond
Stratford Hi… Read moreKnights turn focus to playoffs
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