Led by senior Jeanne Canto, the Coral Gables Cavaliers won their GMAC opening-round game Monday, defeating American 5-3 at Palm Springs North Park.

The Cavaliers wasted little time taking control of the game, taking an early 1-0 lead when Kaitlyn Esquenazi sent the ball careening over the Patriots goalie's head in the second minute.

Canto, a four-year varsity player, took over from there, reeling off four consecutive goals before the first-half water break.

Canto said Monday's performance was unexpected.

''I was surprised at how open of defense they [American] was playing,'' Canto said. ``I know they are a really good team, but we were able to execute and connect on our crossing passes and our passes down the middle.

``So once we saw that working, we just kept going at them.''

Coral Gables' execution was near perfect as they scored goals on five of their six first-half shots on goal.

Trailing 5-0 with less than two minutes to play before halftime, American cut into the deficit when Dessire Quadros sent a sidewinder into the top left corner of the net.

The Patriots built on that momentum during the second half, outscoring Coral Gables 2-0 after halftime on Alli Balatovis' goal from 35 yards out and another goal by Quadros in the 79th minute.

The clock then became American's biggest obstacle, and its rally was squelched as time ran out.

Coral Gables coach Mercy Verazain, who coached the game while on crutches because of an ankle injury she sustained while practicing with the team, said her team's lackluster performance in the second half came from a lack of intensity.

''The girls got complacent. They were content with that early lead,'' Verazain said. ``This is the GMACs -- anyone can come back. You're playing against one of the top eight teams in the county, so hopefully they learned a lesson from this game.''

BASKETBALL

Monsignor Pace guard Darren Stewart orally committed to FAU on Monday. Stewart, a 6-4 combo guard, is averaging 14 points, 6.5 rebounds and a team-high three steals per game this season for the two-time defending Class 4A state champion Spartans (11-4).

''[FAU coaches] saw him play in the A-Rod tournament and the Arby's Classic in Tennessee, and they liked what they saw,'' Pace coach Mark Lieberman said.

``Darren is someone that brings toughness to a team and can do a lot of little things for you.''

Stewart said he chose the Owls because it would give him an opportunity to play in a fast-paced style similar to the one he plays in at Pace.

''Coach [Mike] Jarvis has a great background, with all the success he's had over the years,'' Stewart said. ``I think I can come in and be an up-tempo defensive player, which is what they're looking for right now.''

-- ANDRE C. FERNANDEZ

The National Collegiate Scouting Association will conduct a college recruiting seminar at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Coral Reef. Renowned baseball coach Rich Hofman will be the featured speaker. Hofman coached baseball for more than 40 years, with stints in both Dade and Broward counties, and he led Westminster Christian to 10 state championships and two national championships. For more information on the seminar, call Jim Knebel at 312-624-7439 or email jknebel@ncsasports.org.

GIRLS' SOCCER

• GMAC quarterfinal -- South Dade 2, Ferguson 0: Allie Van Huesen led South Dade (9-2-4) with a goal. Kristen Sanders had a goal, and Erika Arciniega recorded her fifth shutout of the season.

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