Ababio strikes twice to boost Cowboys

Senior helps Gaither hold off Sickles 2-1 and set up a final with host Countryside.

By BRANDON WRIGHT
Published January 26, 2006

CLEARWATER - Eddie Ababio scored a pair of goals and Gaither survived a tenuous final five minutes to hold on for a 2-1 semifinal win against Sickles.

"We knew this wasn't going to be an easy win coming in," Gaither coach Eric Sims said.

"It's always a physical game when we play them and I thought both teams played with a lot of emotion."

Ababio's first strike came off a counter attack in the 26th minute.

Ben Foerstner and Kory Kubly worked a give and go along the sideline before Ababio received the ball near the center line. He then outraced a trio of Sickles defenders all the way to the corner of the box before shaking all three and firing top shelf.

"That was trademark Eddie right there," Sims said. "He's as good with the ball as anyone in his age group."

Ababio extended the lead to 2-0 five minutes into the second half. The senior striker stole a clearing pass from Andrew Pelaez and chipped the ball over the head of charging goalkeeper Daniel Winsey.

But Sickles' Manny Frebe pulled one back in the 76th minute before an odd series of events.

As Gaither argued the call, the referee allowed play to restart without a goalkeeper. Gaither kicked the ball into the Gryphons end but Sickles then began to attack as backup keeper David Cobb hustled on the field.

But Gaither settled and managed to get the win, setting up Friday's final against Countryside, a 6-2 winner against St. Petersburg in the other semifinal.

Cowboys starting defender Douglas Cobb went down with a knee injury in the eighth minute and left the field on a stretcher. The match was delayed almost an hour before paramedics arrived and removed Cobb.

Sims said the injury looked to be "very serious."

[Last modified January 26, 2006, 01:02:16]