TAMPA -- You don't need paper and a pen to calculate Pine Crest goalkeeper Wyatt Zeller's playoff goals-against average.

Zero divided by three is, well, zero.

Doesn't get any easier -- or better -- than that.

And during the Panthers' remarkable run through the regional playoffs, they've needed every single save.

To reach the Class 3A state semifinals, Pine Crest (19-4-3) has scored just three goals, one in each game.

As way of perspective, the Panthers' opponent in Friday's match, Berkeley Prep (26-2-2), has averaged more than three goals -- per half.

''There's definitely pressure as a goalie,'' Zeller said on the team bus Thursday, somewhere between Fort Lauderdale and Tampa. ``You never really want to make a mistake.

''Every game we play, we know we're the underdogs,'' added Zeller, whose squad takes the pitch at the University of Tampa at 2:15 p.m. Friday. ``Every team thinks they're going to roll over us. We just play as tough as we can in the back end and try to get up one front.''

Zeller anchors that back end, but he has plenty of help. The four teammates ahead of him -- Matt Bedick, John Perez, Avery Wonacott and Alec Neita -- have helped keep Pine Crest in every game.

But every close contest comes down to the keeper making one to three spectacular saves, said coach Miguel Martin.

Every step of the way, Zeller has made those saves.

''I think he has dramatically improved his performance as the season went on,'' Martin said. ``In the last five games, we've really needed him.''

In the opening round of the district playoffs, Pine Crest survived a scoreless regulation to beat Pompano High School 1-0 in overtime. A loss there would have eliminated them from the regional tournament before it began.

Then in the regional quarters, Pine Crest wasn't given a chance against University, viewed at the time as one of the best teams in the state.

Ten minutes into the game, University had a clear shot from the top of the key. Zeller dove to the left and made the save.

''If he doesn't make that, I don't think we're here,'' Martin said. ``When you're playing away, as the underdogs, all you can hope is that your goalie keeps you in it.''

With the high-powered Buccaneers looming, Pine Crest can't have anything less.

Join the discussion

The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point. In order to post comments, you must be a registered user of MiamiHerald.com. Your username will show along with the comments you post. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

     Showing: Oldest first Newest first Most-recommended first Least-recommended first

@Nyx.AuthorDisplayName@ wrote on @Nyx.PostedAtTime@:

@Nyx.repliedToText@

@Nyx.replyAnswerText@

Reply to this Comment @Nyx.Recommender@ @Nyx.AbuseReporter@