Tuesday, October 31, 2000
Lakota East's goalie wants title
Would trade state shutout record
By Dave Schutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
The state record of 40 career shutouts is one Craig Salvati cherishes, but the Lakota East senior goalie would trade it for a state championship.
“I remember the feeling when we walked off the field after losing 2-1 to Westerville North in the state semifinals last year,” Salvati said. “That's been our motivation this season.”
Lakota East, ranked No.1 in The Enquirer's final Division I boys soccer poll, plays Kettering Fairmont at 7 p.m. today at Lakota West in a regional semifinal game.
Lakota West, No.2 in the same poll, plays Huber Heights Wayne in the other Division I semifinal at 7p.m. today at West Carrollton. The winners play at 7p.m. Saturday at West Carrollton for the regional title.
In Division II regional semifinal action today, Indian Hill meets Kettering Alter at Clayton Northmont while Turpin plays Tipp City Tippecanoe at Hamilton Garfield. Both games begin at 7 p.m.
The Forest Hills Soccer Stadium is the site of the Division III regional semifinal game between Madeira and Summit Country Day, the defending Division II state champions. Game time is 7 p.m. today.
In girls Division I regional play on Wednesday, Fairfield meets McAuley at North College Hill while Mercy plays Fairborn at West Carrollton.
In girls Division II regional play on Wednesday, it's Indian Hill vs. Wyoming at Amelia Soccer Stadium and Bellbrook vs. Hamilton Badin at Sycamore Soccer Stadium.
Since Lakota East's boys soccer program was launched in 1997, much of its success can be traced to Salvati's expertise in goal.
“We've played 78 games (48-20-10 record) and Craig has never been off the field,” East coach Danny Landrum said.
Salvati was a field player until four years ago. He split time with another goalie for a summer premier club team and immediately took to the new position.
“The starting goalie for Lakota decided to go to West when the schools split,” Salvati said. “There were three other guys I had to beat out for the starting job.”
During games, Salvati is the most vocal player on the field. He often yells instructions to the sweeper and three defenders and doesn't hesitate to criticize when mistakes are made.
“Organization and communication are very important,” Salvati said. “Although I yell a lot at my teammates, it never leaves the field. We're all friends and they understand.”
Salvati acknowledged that without strong defenders, the 40 shutouts wouldn't have been possible. He pointed to sweeper Eric Reynolds, fullbacks Jamie Hilen and Ryan Snider and stopper Eric Lueck.
“There have been games when I've never touched the ball,” Salvati said. “That should tell you how well the defenders have played.”
There's a possibility that East and West could meet for a second time this season. The two fought to a scoreless tie three weeks ago.
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Lakota East's goalie wants title
