Crusader Soccer Headlines

The varsity soccer team tied Crooms Academy 2-2 last night to start the new year off.  The scoring in the first half was all OLA, led by Celio Celli on a super one on one goal followed by a header by Tony Bruder off of a wonderful cross from Yavuz Birol.  In the second half Crooms was awarded a penalty kick to pull within one and at the end they were able to get the equalizer off of a persistent attack.  Lucas Patrick led the efforts on both ends of the field with excellent effort and awesome communication.  Come out tomorrow night and catch the team in action at home kicking off at 6:00 against Trinity Christian Deltona.

 

The soccer team fell to the Royals of The First Academy last night 2-0.  The team fought hard and had many opportunities to tie the match at one, but just couldn't find the back of the net.  TFA was able to secure the game with a late goal in the 77th minute.  Thomas Vity played a fantastic game at right back along with Brandon Reyes at left back.  Celio Celli worked hard in the mid field throughout the night.  Come out tonight and cheer your team on at 7:00 here at OLA against district foe Windermere Prep.

 

The Varsity Soccer team jumped out to an early 3-0 lead against the Lions of Foundation, but were not able to hold them off in the end, falling 5-3.  John Parisi was our strongest player getting two early goals to lead your offense.  Ben Ortt led the defense at sweeper, not allowing the Lions to net a goal in his 35 minutes of action.  Come out for our next home match this Friday kicking off at 7 against Trinity Deltona.

Varsity Soccer District Tournament Update...

Wednesday 1/28...

The Varsity Soccer team pushed unbeaten, and #2 seed Montverde Academy for 80 minutes Tuesday night in the District Tournament Semifinals. Unfortunately, the Eagles scored on pair of goals from over 25 yards in the second half thus ending the 2008-2009 season for the Crusaders with a 2-0 final.

Playing an unconventional "man-to-man" style designed to slow down the bigger, quicker Eagle forwards, OLA kept the game scoreless in the first half before surrendering the two goals.  Coach Todd Bortz was proud of the effort and the execution by his team against one of the state's top soccer teams.

The Crusaders finish the season 13-8-3.  Congratulations Crusaders on a great season!

Tuesday 1/27...
Congrats to the soccer team on their district tournament victory last night, 3-0 over First Academy Leesburg. Goals were scored by Nick Walker (2), and Riley Fitzpatrick. Timmy Hanrahan picked up his 8th shutout of the season as the Crusaders improved to 13-7-3. The team takes on Montverde Academy today in the tournament semifinals at 5:00pm at The First Academy.

 

Varsity Soccer Clinches Conference Championship on Senior Night!
January 23, 2009

The Orlando Lutheran Academy Varsity Soccer team clinched the Mid-Florida Christian Conference Championship with a 2-1 victory over Merritt Island Christian.  Trailing 1-0 midway through the 2nd half, senior Riley Fitzpatrick scored the Crusaders first goal from about 30 yards, then classmate Nick Walker followed with the go-ahead and eventual game-winning goal minutes later. 

The game was especially memorable for the seniors on the team who played their last home game for Head Coach Todd Bortz.  Twelve seniors, many of whom have been a part of the soccer program since their 6th grade year, finished the regular season with 12-7-3 record and a conference championship.

Congratulations to the varsity soccer team, Coach Bortz, and the seniors - Brian Blank, Riley Fitzpatrick, Timothy Hanrahan, Dane Hurt, Brooke Neilson, Dylan Nolan, Steven Policastro, Carlos Rodriguez, Christian Rodriguez, Nick Walker, Rodrigo Zuniga, and Alicia Nichols.
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Varsity Soccer kicks off season with shutout victory
November 11, 2008

The Varsity Crusader soccer team opened the 2008-2009 season against Lake Wales Vanguard School at home with a strong performance. In the opening few minutes of the first half, the Crusaders capitalized on a penalty kick score by Nick Walker to take a 1-0 lead. After a hard fought first half, head coach Todd Bortz propelled the team into a more controlling second half, which saw Walker score two more goals. Goal Keeper Tim Hanrahan recorded his first shut out of the year by keeping Vanguard off the scoreboard. The Crusaders (1-0) prepare for their first conference game on Friday November 14 against the Breavard HEAT.