'Keeper strives to boost struggling Saints' spirits Lauren MacGillivary Calgary Herald - Thursday, May 19, 2005

This soccer season hasn't gone the way Luigi Caria expected. Caria, a co-captain and No. 1 goaltender for the St. Mary's boys squad, had figured he'd cap off his Grade 12 year with a run at a Division I city title. As of Wednesday morning, the Saints had a dismal 0-4-2 record, with four goals for and 17 against (including a 6-1 pummelling by the Lord Beaverbrook Lords). The Saints are also in danger of missing playoffs for the first time in about two decades. "We've had a lot of bad breaks," says the 17-year-old. "I find it a challenge; you have to take challenges day by day." But instead of letting frustration take over, Caria - who also plays Division I for two club teams - has chosen to set a positive example for this teammates. "I just try to give the guys more confidence," he says. "I talk a lot and try to boost their spirits." At the start of the season, the Saints' bench bosses predicted Caria would shine. While the numbers don't reflect that, the coaches remain confident in the'keeper. "Luigi has held us in a lot of games," says Bruce Gillespie. "He's shown huge leadership on a team that could've folded. It's a testament to Luigi and to how hard the players have worked, they haven't gotten down on themselves." Caria was chosen to suit up as goalie for the South Team, in last week's Selects boys high school all-star game, along with Steve Glass of Central Memorial and Will Langford of Western Canada. Caria stopped all shots during his turn in net, contributing to a 4-1 South win over the North team. "It was a great honour to be chosen for the Selects game, especially considering all the talent on the (St. Mary's) team," says Caria. Like Caria, Gillespie doesn't see lack of talent as the problem for the Saints. "We've been really unlucky. We've hit bars, posts, rolled it wide," explains Gillespie. "It's also so competitive. Division I is just unbelievable this year." Once behnd in games, the Saints have been forced to push up their defence, making Caria a target for breakaways. Instead of dwelling on the fact that they're in ninth place out of 10 teams, the Saints plan to use momentum from their 1-1 tie last MOnday with the Bishop Grandin Ghosts, and concentrate on making the top eight teams that will advance to post-season. Sebastien Ah-Fat scored the tying goal against the Ghosts, tapping the ball in off a teammate's header from a corner kick. "It was a big game," says the 18-year old, who moved from midfield to striker for the bout. "It was like, either we win, tie or go home. Now we've got to make sure we make playoffs." Ah-Fat is happy to have Caria behind him. "He's great, he motivates all of us," he says. "He gives us energy and keeps us working hard." Caria has dedicated himself extensively to high school athletics this year. He played football for his first time, suiting up as kicker for the last part of the season in time to help the Saints earn silver at the Division II city championships. He's also competing in track and field for his first time. "I wanted to try something new," he says. "I'm doing it for the experience." Last fall, he was a goalie coach for St. Mary's girls soccer team. He hopes to play soccer for the Mount Royal College Cougars next season.