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BRUNSWICK - When a Cinderella team succeeds against all odds, they are remembered forever.

But the truth of the matter is most underdogs just don't make it to the final dance and they are often forgotten, though their efforts are no less great in the grand scheme of things. This is the case of the district champion Bristol boys soccer team who fought valiantly, but was defeated by the Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy Royals, 6-0, on Tuesday night at Brunswick High School.

Following the game Bristol coach Michael Moore admitted the loss was not a big surprise and CVCA was indeed an elite team, but he was still proud of his team's effort to keep fighting even when things looked their bleakest.

"In the famous words of Dennis Green, 'They were what we thought they were going to be,' " Moore said with a chuckle.

"But we gave 100 percent and kept our heads held high and that's all I can ask for."

Royals coach Jon Taylor, a former CVCA graduate and member of the soccer team, spoke highly of the Bristol program and all they have accomplished this year even with the loss.

"It's so good for Bristol to come out and have a huge crowd of excited fans," Taylor said. "This is a big step for their program."

The Royals, a team that has the distinct potential to come out of the tournament with yet another state title under their belts, scored fluently throughout the game from six different shooters in a number of different ways, whether it was from set pieces, deflected chances or unassisted runs to the goal.

Goals were scored by Tim Hudec, Evan Crocker, Sachem Wilson, Brent Black, Michael Hulisz and Joe Orihel, with assists coming from Crocker, Jack Thompson and Orihel.

Moore spoke very highly of the Royals program and was impressed with not only the level of skill they possessed, but also the dignity and showmanship they exuded before, during and after the game.

"They are a first-class team," Moore said. "It's also a unique situation for these guys to have the other team pray with them after the game, so that's something."

CVCA will move on to face Wellington, who toppled a previously undefeated Rootstown team, 2-1, who may have been fatigued after having to play two games in two nights.

As for Bristol, Moore said his team is looking to build off of this experience and take what they have learned from going one-on-one with one of the top programs in the state and use that next year as they strive to create a soccer dynasty that Bristolville has never seen.

"We come out next year and though we're going to lose a great group of seniors, we have a great junior class and take away some things we saw tonight from (CVCA)," Moore said. "I don't think we can do exactly what they did, but in our conference, with what we have, we can improve."

Possibly the most notable thing outside of the field of play was the Bristol fans, who outnumbered the CVCA faithful and, regardless of score, cheered for their team like they were on the verge of winning a state championship, which is something Moore said is priceless and really means a lot to his team.

"This is the first time we won a district championship in the program's history and our fans and the people in the community treated us like kings," Moore said. "This small community (Bristolville) really appreciates what we've done and I hope they know how much we appreciate their support."

sports@tribtoday.com