Lakeland Prep assistant soccer coach ejected against Milan
After a tumultuous series between Milan and Lakeland Prep in baseball, the craziness spilled over into Saturday’s Class A boys soccer sectional match between the two institutions.
Lakeland Prep assistant coach Lauren Martinez, who is not listed as an assistant coach on the TSSAA website, was ejected from the match by the head official after yelling at Milan’s goalkeeper, according to the official’s report obtained by the Mirror-Exchange.
According to the report, “At the 70th minute, assistant coach Lauren Martinez from LPS (Lakeland Prep School) was heard and observed having an verbal altercation with the keeper from Milan during the run of play. The center official moved closer and heard Ms. Martinez yell to the keeper, “look at the scoreboard” several times. There was other comments but could not be clearly understood. At this time, official stopped play to discuss with the head coach of LPS. Official informed the head coach that Ms. Martinez needed to stop interacting with the opposing team. Before any action could be taken, Ms. Martinez approached the area where the head coach and Official Scott were standing, and loudly began to dissent about the situation. LPS head coach turned and instructed Ms. Martinez to stop and return closer to the bench. Official went to speak to the LPS head coach when Ms. Martinez left the technical area to move closer to the meeting and increased yelling at Official’s direction. At this time, Ms. Martinez was dismissed from the game and technical area. Administrator Cody Duncan (Lakeland Prep principal) assisted her removal as she neared behind the goal area occupied by Milan keeper and was heard continuing to be upset with the situation as she walked near the area of AR 2. Official had attempted to restart play as Ms. Martinez was deemed out of reasonable sight and sound area, but stopped shortly after due to her mouthing at the gate area outside the field of play and athletic track. Once she was completely out of sight and sound, play was resumed and match completed.”
The head official told Milan head coach Molly Anderson that Martinez flipped off Milan goalkeeper Will Pickard during the incident as he was updating her on why Martinez was being ejected.
Lakeland Prep soccer won the match 6-0 to advance to the Class A state tournament.
This incident came three days after the start of the Class 2A baseball sectional series between the two teams, when the umpire had to warn both sides to control their fans, after it was reported that Lakeland Prep’s student section was using curse words and derogatory statements toward Milan players on the field.
