The school colors for Lakota East are red and black and the nickname is The Thunderhawks.

        But, for the fourth time this season, the soccer team wore blue-gold-and-white uniforms with the school name West Chester Warriors for Wednesday's Division I sectional semifinal soccer game against Colerain.

Lakota East's Jamie Hilen fights off Colerain's Anthony Collum at Mason High School on Wednesday night. (Brandi Stafford photo) | ZOOM |

        The Thunderhawks remained undefeated in the uniforms, scoring three times in the second half for a 4-1 victory over Colerain at Mason High School.

        Lakota East advances to Saturday's sectional championship game against Loveland at Fairfield Soccer Stadium. The Thunderhawks defeated Loveland 2-0 in a preseason scrimmage.

        “One of our assistants did some research and found out that West Chester was the first name of the high school in 1959,” said senior midfielder T.J. Meyers, who scored the winning goal with 27:18 remaining in the second half.

        “The school had the uniforms made and we've done well wearing them. We don't think we're unbeatable in these uniforms but I'd say we'll wear them a few more times this season.”

        Lakota East's record in those uniforms now is two wins and two ties.

        Colerain's Cole Weddle scored with 20:11 remaining in the first half off an assist by Christopher Maher.

        After a goal, the team that scores is usually vulnerable during the next five minutes and this proved true. Lakota East's Kevin Farrell scored with 17:09 remaining off a rebound of a blocked shot.

        During the first 40 minutes, the Thunderhawks outshot Colerain 7-1. But the Cardinals reversed the trend during the first 10 minutes of the half but couldn't get the ball past East goalie Craig Salvati.

        “Craig hold the state record with 40 (career) shutouts,” East coach Danny Landrum said. “I don't think we played great defense but Craig made some big saves. That's why he'll be first team all state.”

        The unassisted goal by Meyers with 27:18 remaining, turned the momentum in Lakota East's favor with the Thunderhawks again going on the attack while Colerain appeared let down.

        With 13:13 left, Gustavo Schiavon locked up the victory, scoring an unassisted goal after beating three Colerain defenders before putting the ball in the net.

        “The better team won tonight,” Colerain coach Paul Reedy said. “During the first 20 minutes of the second half, I thought we controlled but Salvati made some great saves. They put a lot more pressure all over the field on us tonight.”

        Landrum knew the game wouldn't be easy.

        “At the tournament draw, I knew if we got past Amelia, we'd play Colerain,” Landrum said. “Right now they're one of the three best teams in Cincinnati and I feel fortunate we won.”

        Lakota East and Loveland have met two previous times in the tournament. Loveland eliminated the Thunderhawks two years ago on penalty kicks and Lakota East handed the Tigers their first loss of the season in last year's sectionals.
       
       

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