Maric takes honor as best in Pasco

This article appeared in the Tampa Tribune on March 24, 2002.

By JASON VETTER Tribune correspondent

NEW PORT RICHEY - There is one scene that best describes Alex Maric.

It isn't the one of him making the Land O' Lakes defenders look like cardboard figures as he weaved through them in the district final.

It isn't the one of him blasting a shot from 20 yards out into net to beat Crystal River in the regional quarterfinals.

The best Maric scene came at the end that district final, a 3-2 overtime loss to the Gators. Maric stood on the field, his jersey dirt-ridden and ruffled after 90 minutes of double- teams, with his face showing the hurt of the defeat.

Although Gulf came up short on this night, Maric had given Pasco County's best defense all it could handle. The senior forward dominated the second half of the match. In fact, he dominated most of the season.

Maric established himself as one of the best offensive weapons in the county's recent history. He also earned The Tampa Tribune Pasco County Boys Soccer Player of the Year honor.

``This year, my goal was that I wanted to go to states,'' Maric said. ``It didn't work out, but we went further than we had before. I just tried to play like a team player and score when I could.''

Maric scored a bit - 41 goals. He also led the county with 19 assists. Maric's teammate, Drew Roberts, was second in the county with just 18 goals.

``I just think he was far superior to everyone around,'' Gulf coach Sam Koleduk said. ``I think his upbringing in Bosnia and Germany taught him ball control and the ability to score goals.''

Maric doesn't have the size of Justin Geisler, the former Land O' Lakes forward who scored a county record 55 goals in the 1999-2000 season. But, his ball control and tactical skills are pretty much unmatched.

``I think, as an overall player, Alex is the best player to come through here in years,'' said Koleduk, who holds the Gulf school record with 46 goals. ``Geisler was a better goal- scorer, but in terms of skill, I haven't seen a player better than Alex.''

Hudson coach Ron Ladimir does not question Maric's skill.

``He was a goal scorer. The main thing is, when you get chances, you have to finish, and he does that,'' Ladimir said. ``He has tremendous skill and tremendous awareness of the game. If he was bigger, he would be more dominant.''

Maric, at 5-foot-8 and 135 pounds, likely play as an outside midfielder in college. He appeared headed to play for a Division II team. However, Division I Florida Atlantic has shown interest.

``The first thing I want to do is get a scholarship and start playing soccer in college,'' Maric said. ``I want to be sure I can get a degree. If the opportunity is there for me to make money, I'll move [overseas]. Right now I want to go to school.''

County defenders can breathe easy now that they won't be taken to school on the field next season.

Tribune photo by Andy Jones