St. Francis falls to Fenton

By Eddie Burns

St. Francis still remains in search of its initial goal of the 2009 campaign.

The Spartans drought reached six games when they capped off a tough stay in the Addison Trail Invite with a 3-0 loss to Fenton on Saturday morning in a match played at Driscoll Catholic High School.

Through six matches St. Francis has been outscored 19-0.

“It is the quality of the teams we’re playing,” coach Tim Dailey said. “We’ve played a lot of good teams who have been bigger, stronger, faster and more physical than us.”

Dailey was encouraged by several close scoring chances. Danny Wright, Mike Vale, Drew Mascari and Wes Dorman each had opportunities to end the scoring drought, but their attempts sailed inches wide or were a tad too high.

“We are real pleased with our progress – particularly on offense,” Dailey said. “We had plenty of opportunities today. We looked good in that regard.”

The Spartans are playing a bit short-handed with four regular players nursing injuries, but regardless the team remains optimistic.

“We’re a really young team and our regular players are not playing well right now, but we’re starting to see improvement,” sophomore goalie Ryan Suerte said. “We have a lot of potential.

We play three freshmen on a regular basis. It’s been tough, but we’re going to finish strong.”

Suerte made plenty of nifty saves to keep the Spartans (0-6) close against the Bison (2-3). He punched several high shots above the crossbar and was aggressive in front of the net.

With St. Francis’ offense struggling to possess the ball, Suerte hasn’t seen a lack of action in and around the goal so far this season.

“It is working me out,” Suerte said. “I’m getting better, and I’m constantly improving each game, which will help me for the rest of my high school career. I was a bit shaky early on this season, but I’m recovering from a sprained ankle.”

Dailey lauded Suerte’s performance thus far.

“Ryan just keeps getting better and better with each game and this may have been his best game yet,” Dailey said. “He was outstanding.”

Suerte said the offense will come much more easily once the Spartans score their first goal.

“That first goal will probably help us relax,” he said.

Dailey is not concerned that the losing has taken a huge toll on his squad.

“I’m so impressed with this group,” he said. “They do such a good job of keeping a positive attitude. Sure they get down after a loss, but they bounce back because they are young and they have nothing to be upset about. They know they are going to be a decent team. It is just going to take a little time.”

The schedule will eventually lighten up on the Spartans, but Tuesday’s game against St. Joseph won’t be easy.

“We’re going to be playing some teams that will be more competitive and who will be a little bit easier for us, so I am hopeful it will turn around,” Dailey said.

2009 Schedule