Lake Wales, FL – The up-and-down 2008 St. Thomas men's soccer season came to an end Saturday with a heartbreaking 2-1 overtime defeat at the hands of Warner Southern in the semi-finals of the Sun Conference tournament.  The Bobcats fought valiantly, but the defense was ultimately unable to hold as the Royals scored the deciding goal four minutes into sudden death overtime.

Both teams struggled offensively, but the treading was toughest for the 'Cats as they were only able to compile six shots and direct three toward goal.  Their lone strike of the game came off the foot of substitute Jaisen Labrada in the 84^th minute to even the game and eventually force overtime.  However, in the 95^th minute, Jean Jimenez put the Royals 15^th shot of the game past goalkeeper Aaron Jones on an assist from Daniel Scully to lead Warner Southern into the Sun Conference championship against Northwood this weekend. 

Mauricio Castano had the first goal for Warner, coming in the 75^th minute, and ending a defensive struggle.  The STU defense did all it could, but the constant pressure applied by the Royals paired with an inconsistent Bobcat attack lead to the lapse that ended the game.  Jones was able to save six shots in the contest, while his counterpart in goal Joshua Havens was only tested three times and faltered on only one attempt. 

While Labrada provided the only offensive highlight for the Bobcats, Thiago Rocha, Gabe Renteria, and Sunday Ogundasi all once again pitched in as they have all season.  Renteria had one shot, Ogundasi put his only attempt on goal, and Rocha added three shots with one toward the net.  

The Bobcats lose only three players to graduation this season, and will look to build on this season's success in 2009.  For a more in-depth look at this past season and for a look ahead at next year, check back soon for our 2008 season recap article.