Benjamin upset Lake Highland Prep on Friday night in a much anticipated game between two of Florida’s Top Ten teams. Mar. 16th – Lake Highland (5-4; 3-0 District 11) fell to the visiting Benjamin Buccaneers 9-7 this afternoon in another close match-up of Central vs. South Florida powerhouse programs.  And for the second straight year, Benjamin came out on top in a contest that was not decided until the final minutes. In an all too familiar scenario against quality opponents, Lake Highland dominated early by controlling the pace of play in the first quarter, taking a 2-0 lead at the first break.  But similar to the Saturday before against Boys’ Latin, the Highlanders watched the Buccaneers tally the next 6 goals over the second and most of the third quarters.  The majority of the goals came in transition (7 of 9 successful clears) off of LHP turnovers or missed shots creating fast break opportunities for the athletic Benjamin midfield.  The Highlanders regained their balance and scored 4 of the next 5 goals to pull within one at 7-6 with 6:17 left in the fourth quarter.  But despite the tremendous effort from Senior Midfielder Devon Lewis (unassisted goal, two caused turnovers and two GBs in the last five minutes of the game), Benjamin would close out the game on the strength of back-to-back goals from Freshman Attack Andrew Packer. Also typical of a Highlander versus Buccaneer contest, both teams had numerous EMO chances.  Lake Highland capitalized on only 3 of 8 man-up opportunities with several costly turnovers and failed attempts to finish from close range, one of which lead to a short handed Benjamin goal by Senior Midfielder Charlie Nicklaus.  Nicklaus and Packer led Benjamin with twin hat tricks.  Lake Highland was led by Seniors Clay Phillips (2G, 1A), Lewis (2G) and Billy Roll (1G, 4A). Benjamin goalie, Anthony Cicio had 17 saves on the day and deserves much of the credit for the upset over Lake Highland Prep. Junior Adam Sawicki was outstanding in goal for the Highlanders, recording 14 saves on the day. The Highlanders next travel to face district rival Bishop Moore on Tuesday evening and Benjamin hosts Suncoast Riviera the same evening.  

Score by Qtr	1	2	3	4	Total
Benjamin	0	4	2	3	9
Lake Highland	2	0	1	4	7

  LHP Scoring (Goals-Assists-Total Points) Roll (1-4-5); Phillips (2-1-3); Lewis (2-0-2); Anniello (1-0-1); Wetzel (1-0-1); Johnson (0-1-1) Benjamin Scoring; Charlie Nicklaus and Andrew Packer – 3 goals each Robert Jacobs – 1 goal and 3 assists Philip Benz and Colin O’Hare – 1 goal each Luke Pingleton and Ryan Silvester – 1 assist each Photo courtesy of Lisa Erdmann