West Orange boys soccer advances in playoffs

WINTER GARDEN — The West Orange boys soccer team is moving on in the FHSAA Class 5A State Playoffs.

The host Warriors defeated Lake Howell on Thursday, 2-0, in the regional quarterfinals.

West Orange (10-1-5) benefitted from an own goal by the Silver Hawks just four minutes into the contest and sealed the deal with four minutes to play on a goal from Christopher Nieto.

“For us, these are the type of teams that we struggle with because they’re strong physically,” Warriors coach Scott Fisher said. “I was happy with it. I think in the second half we came out and started moving the ball a lot better.”

West Orange will be at home again in the regional semifinals and will host a familiar foe. Evans (19-4-3), which the Warriors defeated in the district championship on Jan. 23, went on the road Thursday night and upset Lake Mary, 4-2.

Despite the fact that West Orange has defeated the Trojans twice this season, Fisher said his team must finish when it has opportunities to score going forward, citing an example from Thursday night where the Warriors could not capitalize on a flurry of shots on goal against Lake Howell.

“In the playoffs you’ve got to finish,” Fisher said. “This is a problem we’ve had a little bit all year but we can’t have it anymore. Those easy shots in front of the goal — they have to be scored.”

West Orange will host Evans at 7 p.m. on Tuesday in Winter Garden.