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Beavercreek boys soccer prevail over Lakota West

Goalie Justin Saliba recorded four saves in Beavers’ 11th shutout.

Photos: Beavercreek vs. Lakota West

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By B.J. Bethel, Staff Writer Updated 12:08 AM Sunday, November 6, 2011

BELLBROOK — Beavercreek and Lakota West high schools had gone to war before in boys soccer.

They met six times prior to Saturday’s Division I regional final dating to 1997. Every game had been decided by one goal, including a thriller in the 2009 regional final that Beavercreek won with a goal in the 97th minute.

This year wasn’t quite so dramatic. The Beavers won 1-0, thanks to an early goal from a freshman.

Tristan Lyle found the ball inside the box with 34 minutes left in the first half and booted it in for the game’s only goal. It was part of an early offensive attack that took Lakota West by surprise and sent Beavercreek to the state semifinals.

“He’s been playing well for us,” Beavercreek coach John Guiliano said. “He’s gaining more experience every game. It helps playing with the guys up front because they have a little bit more experience and it helps settle him down. He had the opportunity today.”

With the early goal, Beavercreek’s defense sensed its own opportunity. The Beavers held Lakota West scoreless and withstood a Firebird flurry toward the end of the first half.

“We knew they would come at us with two or three and try to get the tying goal,” Guiliano said. “The kids played well and adjusted to it.”

Goalie Justin Saliba had four saves and Beavercreek had its 11th shutout of the season to go with a 21-0-1 record. Now the Beavers are going to the state semifinals on Tuesday.

“These kids have earned it all year long,” Guiliano said. “They’ve been working since June and have busted their butt all the way through — and it shows.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2250 or bjbethel@DaytonDaily News.com.

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