Florida Girls High School Soccer

2010 High School Players of the Year

2010 High School Player of the Year Finalists

2010 High School All-STATE Teams

2009-10 Team by Team Results --2009-10 Coaches Poll--2009-10 high school Stats

2009-10 Girls High School Scores--2009-10 Girls High School Standings

2010 Florida High School Soccer Championship Brackets

2010 High School All-Region Teams

The Teams were nominated and voted on by coaches from around the state. Players selected to the All-Region Teams will be eligible to be selected to the All-State Teams. The All-State voting will begin Tuesday March 16th. The All-State Teams will be posted in about two weeks. Thanks to all the coaches who participated!

Now Posted!

Bartram Trail's Sam Scalf defies appearances

All-First Coast Girls Soccer

All-Heartland Soccer Team

All-Space Coast girls soccer first team

Terrones provided offense

Ober is the News Chief's Girls Soccer Player of the Year

Kutemeyer tabbed as Panhandle Player of the Year

Panhandle All-Area Team

Brittany D'Addio,  Post All-Area player of the year

Palm Beach Post All-Area small school

Gorodetsky heads above the rest

Kelly Costopoulos, of Boca Raton, Class 6A-5A girls' soccer Player of the Year

Ashley Oswald, St. Thomas, Class 6A-5A girls' soccer Player of the Year

Haleigh Stremanos, American Heritage, Class 4A-3A-2A girls' soccer Player of the Year

Samantha Perretty, American Heritage-Delray, Class 4A-3A-2A girls' soccer Player of the Year

Times' all-Pinellas County girls soccer

All-Hillsborough County Girls Soccer Team team

Oviedo's April Asby is the player of the year

All-Central Florida girls soccer team

Orange vs. Seminole soccer (with photos) 

Broward All-County Class 4A-3A-2A girls' soccer team

Broward All-County Class 6A-5A girls' soccer team

Gulliver Prep’s Spital Named 2010 Florida Dairy Farmers Soccer Player-of-the-Year

Gainesville players of the year: Bedford of Buchholz and Bradley of St. Francis

BIG PLAYER

LAURA BEDFORD, BUCHHOLZ, SENIOR

Credentials

Bedford scored 16 goals and had 14 assists for the Bobcats this season, but it was her versatility and her ability to rise to the occasion when her team needed that which stood out.

Coach Jim Peterson often uses the word dominate when describing Bedford, who is also nicknamed the bulldog. Bedford was primarily used for her defensive play but was shifted to more of an attacking midfielder when the Bobcats suffered injuries to some of their top scorers. In addition, Havana Solaun, the team's leading scorer, missed the entire regional playoffs to try out for the Under-17 National Team, which she made. But Bedford led Buchholz down the stretch, which included scoring the lone goal in Buchholz's 1-0, District 4-5A title win over Orange Park Fleming Island. In the Class 5A, Region 1 semifinal against Fleming Island, she netted the game-tying goal and then also scored in the penalty-kick shootout as the Bobcats won 2-1 (4-3 in PK) to reach the regional finals for the first time since 2001. more

Bartram Trail's Sam Scalf defies appearances

The first time you see Sam Scalf, you might think a stiff breeze would blow her over.

But put a soccer ball at the Bartram Trail senior's feet, and she's the one who'll blow you away — on her way to the goal.

Scalf, all 5-feet, 7-inches, 120 pounds of her, scored 59 goals for the Bears in their run to this year's Class 4A girls soccer state championship game. Four of Scalf's goals came in the Region 1-4A championship to send Bartram Trail somewhere it had never been: the state final four.

"She knows how to put the ball in the net, which is a talent in itself," Fleming Island coach Darrell Ivey said of the 2010 All-First Coast girls soccer player of the year. "She's tricky. You have to watch her at all times. She sneaks in behind the defense when you least expect it. She'll be on the right, and then all of sudden she's on the left." more

Terrones provided offense

SEBRING - When Lake Placid forward Yuribia Terrones was on the move with the ball, good things usually happened for the Green Dragons girls soccer squad.

Terrones, a four-year varsity starter, scored a team- and county-high 30 goals this past season and broke the Lake Placid school record with 70 goals in her stellar high school career.

Terrones, who also had 15 assists, would have scored more goals in her final year on the pitch, but was moved to midfielder to help out the Lake Placid defense on numerous occasions.

"Yuribia was a captain and team player and would do whatever it took to help us," said Green Dragon girls soccer coach John Merlo. "She would have scored a bunch more goals if we hadn't of moved her, but she just wanted to help us win. more
 

Forest earns academic award for Class 5A

The Forest High School girls soccer team was named state academic champion in Class 5A for the second year in a row.

The team had a combined 3.714 grade-point average.

Team members included Chanel Blanchard, Nicki Bradshaw, Lydia Buss, Kelly Carlton, Gabrielle Collins, Vanessa Cortez, Kara Derkay, Julia Gangelhoff, Alexis Holland, Shanna Krysalka, Madison Mansfield, Nina Morges, Alison Pritchard, Abigail Reed, Lynlea Ressler, Ashanti Stewart, Anne-Charlotte Strawbridge, Kristi Williams, Meagan Williams and Kinley Yancey.
 

Ober is the News Chief's Girls Soccer Player of the Year

WINTER HAVEN - Katelyn Ober had been an impact girls soccer player for Winter Haven in each of her first three years of varsity play. She formed half of a high scoring duo with former Blue Devil Anna Rombola, the most dangerous offensive combination this side of George Jenkins.

Yet Ober, no longer a forward her senior year, might have been more valuable for the Blue Devils this past season.

With Rombola along with a good chunk of last year's senior-dominated team having graduated, including all four starting defenders, Ober moved to stopper where she made an impact on both offensive and defense. more
 

Kutemeyer tabbed as Panhandle Player of the Year

For years now, Kaitlyn Kutemeyer has proudly answered to a nickname most girls would rather distance themselves from all together.

But for Kutemeyer, a senior defender at Choctawhatchee who has grown to relish the role of defensive enforcer, being called “The Beast” on a daily basis by friend and foe alike is the ultimate in flattery. Even more complimentary than the name itself has been the growing legend surrounding The Beast.

“You could ask anybody from most of the schools around here, people can be scared to go up against me because I’ll run right through them if I have to,” Kutemeyer said, her voice beaming with pride. “I play club soccer with girls from the other schools and they will duck out of the way if I take a shot. It’s kind of like they are a little scared of me, so I kind of have an edge over them. Even though they’re my friends, they’re still a little scared.” more
 

Brittany D'Addio, Pope John Paul II: Post All-Area small school girls soccer player of the year

Entering the season, you wouldn't expect Brittany D'Addio to match her outstanding numbers from her junior season.

And you'd be right. Instead, the Pope John Paul II junior surpassed them while leading the Eagles to the Class 2A regional finals.

D'Addio led Palm Beach County in scoring for the second straight year. After tallying 37 goals and 27 assists as a junior, D'Addio totaled 36 goals and 31 assists as a senior. Midway through the season, she became the first player in school history to register more than 100 goals and 100 assists for her career.

"Looking back on those numbers, I take a lot of pride in what I was able to accomplish," said D'Addio, who will play at Flagler College. "It's nice to know that all the hard work paid off." more

Barron Collier junior draws interest of Olympic Development Program

NAPLES — After Barron Collier junior Jen Martin helped lead the Cougars to a home regional semifinal win against Fort Myers in January, BC coach Ray Morgan huddled the team together. After his postgame talk, he asked Martin if she had anything to say to her teammates.

Humbly, Martin informed them that she would be playing with a regional group of players her age in a series of Olympic Development Program international friendlies held in Costa Rica between April 5-12.

The ODP selects America’s best young soccer players through a series of domestic regional tournaments, groups them by age and develops them to potentially become players on future national teams. more
 

Gorodetsky heads above the rest

JENSEN BEACH — Lauren Gorodetsky isn’t sure what soccer position fits her best, but the Jensen Beach senior sure was dominate this season as a center midfielder.

Gorodetsky has played virtually every position in her four-year varsity career, and led the area this season in scoring with 24 goals and 18 assists.

She is the 2009-10 Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers All-Area Soccer Player of the Year.

“I actually really like playing different positions,” Gorodetsky said. “I sometimes get bored with whatever position I am in, so the change is nice. At one tournament our goalie got hurt so I played there like 10 minutes and I had a blast.” more

Ashley Oswald, St. Thomas, Class 6A-5A girls' soccer Player of the Year

Ashley Oswald

St. Thomas Aquinas junior

Position: Midfield

Statistics: 12 goals, 11 assists

Season highlight:Had two goals and assist in a 5-0 victory over Wellington in the Class 5A regional quarterfinal game. "The team had the best chemistry and we bonded so well throughout the whole season," Oswald said. "The teamwork was awesome. This was probably the best season for me out of the past three years."

Of note: She is a three-year member of the U.S. Youth Soccer Region III Olympic Development pool. She was the offensive catalyst for the Raiders who sacrificed goal scoring for playing defense in the midfield and starting many of the attacks. St. Thomas (17-2-3) lost in the regional semifinals to then unbeaten West Boca 2-1 (5-3 PKs). more
 

Kelly Costopoulos, of Boca Raton, Class 6A-5A girls' soccer Player of the Year

Kelly Costopoulos

Boca Raton senior

Position: Midfield

Statistics: 20 goals, 13 assists

Season highlight: Scored both goals in 2-1 regional final win against Cypress Bay, including the game-winner on a penalty kick in overtime.

Of note: Scored four goals in two regional games, including the game-winning goals in both contests to lead Bobcats to the Class 6A final four. A four-year starter, she was first team All-County since a freshman. She finished her high school career with 62 goals and 49 assists and was a strong presence on offense and defense. Costopoulos will be attending Emory University. more

Samantha Perretty, American Heritage-Delray, Class 4A-3A-2A girls' soccer Player of the Year

Samantha Perretty

American Heritage-Delray senior

Position: Goalie

Statistics: 17 shutouts, allowed 15 goals in 28 games

Season highlight: Only allowed one goal in five postseason matches en route to winning the Class 2A state championship.

Of note: "Sam" grew into a leadership role this season, maturing as a player and a person, according to coach Steve Burgess. She worked well with her defense, giving them confidence. A four-year starter, she was also a first-team All-County member as a junior. Perretty has signed to play at Rutgers. She also is a pitcher on the softball team. more

Catherine Brinkman Pinellas Player of the Year

Why we picked her: Brinkman is the prototypical forward. When she has the ball near the net with a sliver of an opening, she finishes with clinical precision. The top scorer on the Hurricanes’ Class 6A state championship team – more than double any teammate – Brinkman is also an exceptional passer and her ability to defend as a forward led to opponents’ turnovers and more scoring opportunities for her teammates and herself.

Most impressive accomplishment: In four seasons at PHU, Brinkman played in three state finals and was on two state championship squads. In 88 career games, she scored 110 goals.

Did you know? Brinkman, an Elon University signee, had 40 goals to lead the county yet never registered more than three in any game. PHU coach John Planamenta’s policy is to substitute a player who scores a hat trick with the game in hand. Had Brinkman stayed on the field in some of the Hurricanes’ blowouts, 50 goals would not have been out of the question. more
 

Haleigh Stremanos, American Heritage, Class 4A-3A-2A girls' soccer Player of the Year

Season highlight: Stremanos scored two goals and had both assists in a 4-0 victory over Miami Gulliver Prep in the Class 3A regional championship game. "Individually, it was great for me, but our team had an overall amazing game."

Of note: She has been the team's leading scorer the past two years for the two-time Class 3A state champions. She has 78 goals and 55 assists in her three-year career at American Heritage. more

 Oviedo's April Asby is the player of the year

Oviedo Lions stopper April Asby needed to figure out how to get her team out of a slump.

A 1-0 loss to Ponte Vedra in the Michelle Akers Classic started the Lions on a skid that saw them lose three of four games, including the first time in four years Oviedo lost back-to-back games.

Asby, the All-Central Florida girls soccer player of the year, knew what the problem was.

"This year we knew we were expected to do good,'' Asby said. "We acted like we didn't care sometimes and thought it would just come easy.''

"Before the game, I would get myself focused by getting my team ready."

With a focused squad, Oviedo broke the losing streak by beating Trinity Prep 6-0. more

Belleview senior signs scholarship with South Georgia

Belleview High School senior Kasie Cheney inked a deal to play soccer next year for South Georgia College, a junior college located in Douglas, Ga.

“It felt like home,” said Cheney, who had previously been committed to Stetson during the recruiting process. “When I visited (South Georgia), it changed my opinion and it felt like it was the place I needed to be.”

Cheney, who has earned 10 varsity letters while at BHS, scored 34 goals and added 21 assists to help her team earn district runner-up honors behind Gainesville Eastside.

“I was happy with the way things went,” she said. “I thought we did well with what we had.”

As a junior, she scored 25 goals and added 13 assists. more
 

Pinellas sweeps senior games against Hillsborough County stars

 Pinellas won 2-0 with Palm Harbor University's Catherine Brinkman scoring a goal and assisting on another — to her teammate Zoe Lombard.

Brinkman earned the Pinellas County's MVP award, and Amy Werdine earned the MVP for Hillsborough.

"My sisters finished their careers in the all-star game, and I envisioned myself doing the same thing," said Brinkman, who will take her game to Elon College next year. more
 

D'Addio Resigns as Girls Varsity Soccer Coach at PJP II

March 1, 2010, Boca Raton, Fl., Team Boca Soccer Club Director Bill D'Addio has resigned from his position as the Girls Varsity Soccer coach at Pope John Paul II High School. His announcement comes after another successful season for the Eagles, who reached the Regional Semi Finals for the second year in a row and have never failed to reach the Regional tournament under D'Addio's five year tenure as coach. This past season the Eagles finished with a record 18 wins, 5 losses, and two ties, with three of the five losses coming at the hands of the eventual state champion American Heritage-Delray, whose team consists mostly of Team Boca players, the local travel club which D'Addio runs. "It's been a great experience coaching at Pope John Paul II" said Coach D'Addio. "I'll definitely miss all the players and everyone involved at Pope but I'll always stay connected with the school and soccer program" said D'Addio, who also serves as an Advisory Board member to the school.  more

Champs again!

TAMPA — Melbourne's Kristin Grubka sent the deciding header into the net in the second minute of overtime as the Bulldogs captured the Class 5A girls soccer state championship on Saturday with a 2-1 win against Seminole.

Grubka took a cross from Rachel Price and scored off the hands of Seminole keeper Casey Merson. Melbourne's bench hesitated -- only slightly -- to rush the field and Grubka, as the bobbled ball was signaled a goal in the sudden-death overtime period.

"I was expecting a cross and I got a nice snap on the ball," Grubka said. "Luckily the keeper bobbled it and after that I don't remember what happened."

The goal extended Grubka's team lead to 33 goals for the season and the win marked the 49th straight victory for the Bulldogs and its second straight state championship. more

American Heritage wins 3A soccer title

Tampa - Freshman midfielder Alyssa Robinson stood calmly before taking first ever attempt in penalty kicks

When the ball cross over line into the goal, she and her American Heritage teammates successfully defended their Class 3A state soccer championship Saturday at Pepin Stadium.

Robinson's goal gave the Patriots a 1-0 victory (4-2 in penalty kicks) over Berkeley Prep. It was Heritage's sixth state title overall, all coming since 2000, in which they allowed just two goals in that span.

"Actually my team talked me through the penalty kick," Robinson said. "They told me it was just another game, just relax, pick a side and I got it."

Robinson was actually selected by her teammates to partake in the penalty kicks despite not playing any minutes during the game.

"We've done absolutely horrible in practice the last few weeks with penalty kicks," Heritage coach Phil Zayas said. "As soon as the game ended in a tie, half of the team was in tears thinking we were going to lose.". more

Palm Harbor University saves the day for bay area soccer teams

As his players lined up to receive gold medals, Palm Harbor University girls soccer coach John Planamenta dashed toward the stands, took his son from his wife, and the two of them ran back to his place at the end of the line.

For Planamenta, it was his third state championship medal.

For 8-month-old Colton, it was his first.

That makes Saturday's victory in the Class 6A championship game the most memorable of Planamenta's career, as he joined Clearwater Central Catholic's Randy Buckstein as the only area soccer coach to win three state titles.

For a team that enters every season with weighty expectations, the Hurricanes exceeded them this time.

PHU didn't lose a game.

It allowed four goals all season. Since Dec. 18, it allowed just one goal. In the semifinals, it didn't even allow a shot. more
 

American Heritage to defend Class 3A title

Tampa - The American Heritage girls soccer team will have the chance to begin this decade the way they ended the last, winning a Class 3A state championship.

Despite being sluggish at times, the Patriots were dominating en route to a 3-0 victory over Melbourne Central Catholic in a state semifinal match played Thursday at Pepin Stadium. Heritage (25-1-1), ranked No. 7 in the nation by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, will play Tampa Berkeley Prep for the championship Saturday at 11 a.m. Melbourne Central Catholic finished the season at 117-4.

Heritage, the defending Class 3A state champs, won five championships from 2000-09 and will be playing in their eighth title game since 1998. On the other hand Berkeley Prep has never won a championship. more

Heritage-Delray wins Class 2A title

Tampa - In the span of a minute it was over.

Goals by Christina Cobb and Sarah Coy in the 30th and 31st minutes was all American Heritage-Delray girls' soccer team needed to defeat Tampa Prep 2-0 for the Class 2A state championship Friday at Pepin Stadium.

The championship was the first for the Stallions (23-2-3) since 2006 and third overall since 2004 where they played in the first of seven consecutive state championship games. The Stallions ended the season with 13 consecutive victories and 17 shutouts overall.

"I'm just very pleased for the girls," American Heritage-Delray coach Steve Burgess said. "I can't speak highly enough for what they have done this year. Winning number three is nice."

Cobb's goal seemed to energize the Stallions' attack as they continued to pressure the Terrapins' (20-6-4) defense with seven shots in the final 10 minutes of the first half. In scoring her 15th goal of the season, Cobb slalomed her way through five defenders, sending a left-footed shot just inside the right post.

"I was determined to score," Cobb said. "It just opened up. It was like the parting of the seas." more
 

Poole, Major lead Boca Raton past Winter Springs

Not since 1991 had a Boca Raton girls' soccer team had this opportunity.

Now the chance to play for a state championship is real following the Bobcats' 2-0 victory over Winter Springs in a Class 6A state semifinal on a cold, rainy Friday afternoon at Pepin Stadium.

Boca Raton (23-4-2) will play Palm Harbor University on Saturday at 4 p.m.

Boca's clinching score came in the 72nd minute on Alex Major's 28th goal of the season. Major collected a perfectly placed centering pass from Savanah Poole and sent a right-footed shot into the upper left-center of the net.

Senior keeper Caitlin Woody recorded the shutout, the Bobcats' 19th of the season. more
 

Seminole gets another shot at state glory

TAMPA — They were cold.

They were wet.

The rain felt like icicles pelting their exposed skin as they raced down the field.

A gale-like wind pushed those stinging pellets back into their ruddy faces.

One thing, though, was certain for the Seminole girls soccer team. There was no way they were walking off the field losers, especially after enduring possibly the worst conditions they had ever encountered on a soccer field.

Seminole controlled much of play in its Class 5A state semifinal against Mosley at University of Tampa's Pepin Stadium. The Warhawks had half a dozen chances to score but couldn't break past the Dolphins defense through 80 minutes of regulation. more
 

Bulldogs one win from repeat

TAMPA — It has been rare for the Melbourne High girls soccer team to play from behind or to see speed matching that of its own.

In fact, the only time Melbourne was behind in a match this season was in the district final, a match against Viera the Bulldogs eventually won by a goal.
But when George Jenkins took an early lead in Friday's Class 5A state semifinal, the Bulldogs weren't caught off guard. They were inspired.
They got goals from Kristin Grubka and Sydney Miller to defeat Jenkins 2-1 at Pepin Stadium in Tampa. As a result, Melbourne will face Seminole in the Class 5A championship at 1:30 p.m. today. Seminole defeated Mosley in Friday's other semifinal game. more
 

Seminole makes 5A final

TAMPA - The normally clean view of the downtown Tampa skyline disappeared as scoreless regulation came to a close in a torrential downpour during Seminole's Class 5A semifinal match against Lynn Haven Mosley at Pepin Stadium. The Warhawks had a decisive control advantage, but no significant chances as the wind and rain played havoc with any ball lifted off the ground.

It took 84 minutes of soggy, windswept play for Seminole to get the golden goal on a clean-up goal from Rachel Jones that went off the hands of diving Mosley keeper Emily Grammer.
more

Tampa Prep struggles in 2-0 state final loss

TAMPA - Things just never came together for Tampa Prep in the Terrapins' Class 2A state final loss to Delray Beach American Heritage. The Terrapins were frustrated by American Heritage's ball control, and goals in a two-minute stretch decided Friday night's final as the Stallions claimed their third state title in the last seven seasons with a 2-0 victory.

"I think from the beginning we gave too much to them," Tampa Prep goalkeeper Jordan Hatton said. "They were a fantastic team, but I think we just came in and gave them too much respect."

The decider came in the 30th minute on a determined run from midfielder Christina Cobb as the senior charged past five Terrapins defenders and sent a left-footed shot to the far post well out of the reach of Hatton. more
 

Lourdes falls to Palm Harbor in girls' soccer state semifinal

TAMPA -- Miami-Dade County will have to wait another year to get a state finalist in girls' soccer.

Undefeated Palm Harbor made sure of that against Lourdes.

The Hurricanes defeated the Bobcats 2-0 in a FHSAA Class 6A state semifinal at Pepin Stadium at the University of Tampa on Friday night.

Palm Harbor (24-0-1) moves on to play Boca Raton for the 6A state title Saturday afternoon.

The Hurricanes -- ranked No. 8 nationally by ESPN -- will be seeking their second consecutive state championship after winning the state crown in Class 5A last season. more
 

Terps' belief is rewarded

TAMPA - In soccer, sometimes when you peak during a season might be the most important thing. For Tampa Prep, it was less about peaking and more about believing.

According to first-year coach Cindy Schofield, that belief came after the Terrapins answered a regular-season loss with a region semifinal win against Bradenton St. Stephen's on Feb. 2.

"It just comes back to confidence," Schofield said. "We didn't believe in this team until the St. Stephen's game."

Tampa Prep's belief in itself continued Thursday as the Terrapins advanced to the Class 2A state final by defeating Tallahassee Maclay 3-1 at Pepin Stadium more
 

St. Johns Country Day's girls soccer team falls in double overtime at state

TAMPA - The St. Johns Country Day girls soccer team survived a barrage of body blows and delivered a few of its own against playoff nemesis Delray Beach American Heritage on Thursday in the Class 2A state semifinals.

But after 95 minutes of play, it was Heritage that landed the knockout blow to take a 1-0 double overtime victory at the University of Tampa's Pepin Stadium.

With about five minutes to play in the second overtime, Heritage senior Christina Cobb launched a corner kick into the mix in front of the goal. SJCD appeared to have cleared the ball away, but sophomore Tatiana Penagos put it back in play for the Stallions (22-2-3) with a hard shot. more
 

Merritt Island wins first state title
TAMPA — Merritt Island coach Scott Carswell was still a little shocked as the Mustangs lined up to receive there 4A state championship medals Thursday night.
"It still hasn't sunk in yet," he said.
The Mustangs captured the school's first girls soccer state championship defeating Jacksonville Bartram Trail 1-0 out shooting the Bears in penalty kicks 4-3.
The deciding penalty kick came from the boot of senior Stacey Steele, who for the second night led a stingy Mustangs defense. The kick, which deflected off the hands of a diving Bears keeper Lauren Hamilton, was routine said a confident Steele post-match.
"We've practiced that so many times," Steele said. "I knew I had to put it in -- I had no doubt."
For Carswell, the win was a culmination of an entire season of hard work and his team had "lived up to each goal it set."
 

Bartram Trail's girls soccer team denied in title-game shootout

TAMPA - The eight seniors on Bartram Trail's girls soccer team wanted an unforgettable ending to their high school careers.

They earned one - just not exactly the one they'd hoped for.

The Bears lost 1-0 (4-3 in penalty kicks) to Merritt Island in the Class 4A state championship game Thursday night at the University of Tampa's Pepin Stadium.

It was the second consecutive penalty-kick shootout and the third in the last four games for Bartram Trail (24-3-1), which advanced to the program's first state title game appearance with more

Lourdes preparing, hoping to end Dade drought

Lourdes girls' soccer team arrived in Tampa on Thursday loose and ready to defy the odds.

The Bobcats, who are back at state for the first time since 2007, know they have a tall order Friday if they're to become Miami-Dade County's first state finalist in nine years.

Lourdes (19-3-3) will take on Palm Harbor University at 5:15 p.m. in a Class 6A state semifinal at Pepin Stadium in Tampa. What has Lourdes head coach Ray Walden preoccupied is Palm Harbor (23-0-1), which is ranked No. 8 nationally by ESPN, a year after winning a state championship in Class 5A.  more
 

Quick start puts American Heritage in girls' soccer 3A final

TAMPA -- The American Heritage soccer machine keeps on rolling.

The No. 7 nationally-ranked Patriots girls' soccer team scored two first half goals and dominated Melbourne Central Catholic 3-0 in an FHSAA Class 3A state semifinal at Pepin Stadium at the University of Tampa.

American Heritage (27-1-1) is now one win away from its second consecutive Class 3A state championship.

The Patriots will take on Tampa Berkeley Prep (20-4-2) for the Class 3A crown on Saturday morning at 11 at Pepin Stadium more
 

Berkeley Prep defeats Pensacola Catholic

Berkeley Prep advanced to its first girls soccer state championship match in school history with a 1-0 win over Penscola Catholic in Thurday's Class 3A state semifinal game at UT's Pepin Stadium.

The Buccaneers (21-4-2), a team with 10 seniors (many of which have played each other since eighth grade) will face either Melbourne Central Catholic or Plantation American Heritage in Saturday's title match at 11 a.m. more
 

Butler, Abnathy Lead Jenkins Past Newsome

LAKELAND | For the third year in a row, the George Jenkins Eagles are going to state.
Theresa Butler scored two first-half goals and Tori Abnathy added two in the second half as the Eagles defeated Lithia Newsome, 4-2, in the Class 5A regional finals Saturday at Veterans Stadium.

Jenkins (24-0-1), which is ranked No. 3 in the country by ESPN.com, advances to face Melbourne (24-0-0), ranked No. 1 by ESPN.com, in the state semifinals at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the University of Tampa's Pepin Stadium.

"I'm extremely proud of the girls," Jenkins coach Joe Lenard said. "They worked tremendously hard all season in training, and we got the result that we needed today." more
 

Palm Harbor U. headed back to state

APOPKA — Palm Harbor University is in the hunt for its second straight state title, this time in 6A, beating Apopka 2-1 in double overtime Saturday at Roger Williams Field.

A long free kick from PHU's Catherine Brinkman was saved initially by Apopka goalkeeper Shanel Bodden, but Zoe Lombard dislodged the ball from Bodden to score the winning goal with one minute, 59 seconds left in the second overtime of the Class 6A region final.

PHU will play Miami Lourdes in a state semifinal Friday in Tampa. more
 

Seminole drops Venice

VENICE — It seems farfetched to think a team could be unsatisfied with a one-goal lead going into halftime.

But that's exactly the situation Seminole found itself facing, up 1-0 after 40 minutes of play in its region final at Venice.

A heavy, continuous wind blowing right to left kept the ball on Venice's side of the field for much of the first half as Seminole had the breeze at its back.

Warhawks coach Steve Kuplicki was hoping his side could push one, maybe two more scores into goal before halftime, knowing that the playing field would be reversed in the second half. As it turns out, one goal was plenty. more
 

Eustis beats Hudson 5-1 for state girls soccer bid

EUSTIS — Alika Keene scored two second-half goals on a historic night for the Eustis girls soccer program, defeating Hudson 5-1 Friday night in the Class 4A region final.

The victory means Eustis (24-3-1), the No. 2 team in the Sentinel's Super Six, becomes the first public school soccer program from Lake County — boys or girls — to advance to the state soccer tournament. The Panthers will play on Wednesday in a state semifinal against Merritt Island at Pepin Stadium at the University of Tampa.

Merritt Island edged Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons 1-0 on penalty kicks.

The only other Lake County school to reach a soccer state tournament is Montverde Academy's boys team, which has been there several times.

"I am so excited for the girls," Eustis coach Wayne Lockett said. "The girls have been working so hard for the past four years." more

Cobb's two goals lift Heritage-Delray

Miami There was little emotion after every goal in American Heritage-Delray's dominating 4-1 win over Palmer Trinity on Friday.

Because even with the win, which clinched the Class 2A regional championship and sent the Stallions to the state finals in Tampa, the message coming from the Stallions was that there's still work to do.

"We are going to have to play a lot better than this or else it's going to be a short trip in Tampa," Stallions coach Steve Burgess said. "Lots of things to work on in practice, but the girls have done a great job at taking on board what we've taught them."

American Heritage-Delray's Christina Cobb opened the scoring three minutes in with a strong shot from the edge of the box, and Lauren Silver added another five minutes later. more
 

Time runs out on Hudson's stellar season

EUSTIS — The duo had been teammates since seventh grade.

Katy McGee and Jessica Imbimbo were best friends, seemingly inseparable.

They watched each other's backs — in sport and in life.

The realization of Hudson's 5-1 loss to Eustis in a Class 4A region final Friday set in rather quickly. The pair met at midfield and shared one final, tearful embrace as teammates.

Graduation is only a few months away.

"When we shared that hug it was like, 'Thank you for being one of the best teammates,' " Imbimbo said. "… She saved my butt as many times as I've saved hers." more
 

King's Academy bounced out in regional final

West Palm Beach - Mackenzie Logan's shot from about 50 yards bounced once on the wet turf and skipped into the net with 21:39 remaining to lift Tampa Prep over King's Academy in the Class 2A regional finals Friday.

It is the third consecutive year that the Terrapins (17-5-4) have advanced to the final four.

King's Academy dominated the first half, but could not convert on numerous scoring chances. Senior midfielder Gilda Doria had the best opportunity but her 20-yard shot was blocked by goalie Jordan Hatton to the crossbar and the ball bounced forward into the box where it was cleared by the defense with 1:12 left in the first half.

"We bent but never broke," said Tampa Prep first-year head coach Cindy Schofield. "Our back four was rock solid. Our outside backs were awesome." more

Boca Raton prevails in 5A regional finals

Boca Raton - Rachael Grimes will make a return trip to the FHSAA girls' soccer final four - this time as a coach.

Grimes secured the trip when her host Bobcats (20-4-2) disposed of Cypress Bay, 2-1 as senior midfielder Kelly Costopoulos converted a penalty kick midway through the first overtime in the Class 6A regional final on Friday night.

Grimes was a member of the last Boca Raton High girls' soccer team to go to state when her team lost in the 1997 Class 5A state semifinals to Satellite Beach.

"Being down and coming back again like we have in the last couple of games says a lot for the character and leadership of this team," Grimes said. "It is really cool to be going back as a coach and I am really excited for the girls."

Boca High will play the winner of the Flagler Palm Coast/Winter Springs in the state semifinals on Friday in Tampa.

Kelly Costopoulos said she knew the whole game hinged on her kick. more

Berkeley rolls past Verot 4-1

FORT MYERS - The Berkeley Prep girls soccer team had been in the same situation just a season ago - on the road in the Class 3A-Region 3 final.

Unlike last year, however, this time the Buccaneers delivered, dominating host Bishop Verot in a 4-1 victory and advancing to Pepin Stadium for next week's FHSAA finals.

"I'm so happy for these girls, especially the seniors," Berkeley Prep coach Ken Roberts said. "Some of them have been playing for us since the eighth grade, so this is special for them."

Three of those seniors - Amber Famiglietti, Sam Newhaller and Danielle Manning - combined for all four of the Buccaneers' goals. more
 

LCS Falls in Overtime

The Lakeland Christian girls' soccer team lost in overtime in the Class 2A regional final on Friday night.

The George Jenkins girls had to put their bid for a third straight trip to the Class 5A state finals on hold because of the weather.

Jenkins' game against Lithia Newsome was postponed until 5 p.m., today because of storms that hit Central Florida on Friday.

The LCS girls lost on the road at Orange Park St. John's Country Day, 2-1, in overtime.

St. John's broke the scoreless tie with just 15 seconds left in the first half to take a 1-0 halftime lead. more
 

Crusaders win over Bolles on 3rd try

Somebody, anybody, check Sarah Grace Lowery for a pulse.

When it came down to the most exciting, nerve-wracking moment the sport of soccer can throw at a player, the Catholic goalkeeper looked like she was applying makeup.

Lowery swatted away three penalty kicks in overtime like they were harmless flies while her Crusaders teammates connected on three of their four attempts, as Catholic shocked Jacksonville Bolles in the Region 1-3A final Friday.

"This happened last year in the regional semifinals. I kept cool," said Lowery, who blocked four penalty kicks in all with one coming in the opening half against Bolles forward and Florida signee Carolina Triglia. more

Bartram Trail advances to final four

Senior Sam Scalf poured on the offense for Bartram Trail, scoring four goals to propel the Bears to a 5-1 victory over host Gulf Breeze (11-6-3) and earn them their first trip to the state final four.

Scalf leads a Bartram Trail team loaded with eight seniors, seven of whom played for the Bears (23-2-1) when they lost in the regional final two years ago.

“They worked so hard for four years,” Bartram Trail coach Jen West said. “We’ve been on the other end of it. It was really good to see them come out on top this time and make it to state.”

Taylor Valentine also scored for Bartram Trail, and Florida signee Maggie Rodgers netted the Dolphins’ lone goal in the first half. more
 

St. Johns Country Day advances to final four

The St. Johns Country Day girls soccer team cleared its final Region 2-2A hurdle in thrilling fashion on Friday, defeating visiting Lakeland Christian 2-1 in overtime.

Six minutes in to the first 10-minute extra period, junior Tyler Law provided the “golden goal” for the Spartans (20-1-2) off a corner kick from freshman Mallory Bane. The score sealed a seventh consecutive regional title and a berth in the state semifinals for the reigning Class 2A state champions.

“I’m elated,” Spartans coach Mike Pickett said. “Seven times in a row is off the charts. You couldn’t ask for more in a career. This region is a tough region. Every game was a dog fight.”
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American Heritage wins 13th regional title over Gulliver

The American Heritage girls' soccer team continued its playoff dominance by winning its 13th regional championship with a 4-0 victory over visiting Gulliver Prep on Friday night.

Heritage (26-1-1), the defending state champion, will face the winner of Trinity Catholic/Melbourne Central Catholic in a Class 3A semifinal on Thursday at Pepin Stadium at the University of Tampa.

``I think [Heritage] will win state,'' said Gulliver coach Everton Edwards, a former U.S. national coach and FIU coach. ``They are tactically strong and good to watch. They play good fútbol, and they have depth.''

Jannel Johnson had one assist and sophomore Haleigh Stremanos had two goals and an assist for Heritage. more
 

Lourdes wins with late goal

Suffering through 76 minutes of agonizing, frustrating soccer plus a 45-minute weather delay at halftime on top of that, the Lourdes girls' soccer team saw their determination finally pay off.

Just when it looked like Friday night's Class 6A Region 4 championship contest between the Bobcats and Miami Springs was headed for overtime in a scoreless tie, Claudia Leon found the back of the net with just four minutes remaining, lifting Lourdes to a 1-0 victory in front of a noisy crowd of more than 500 at Milander Stadium. more
 

Winter Springs girls soccer eyes state berth

Winter Springs coach Kurt Oettl does not expect his team to be nervous entering tonight's Class 6A girls soccer region final at Flagler Palm Coast. "Motivation will not be an issue,'' said Oettl, whose Bears (16-6-3) ousted Oviedo 2-1 Wednesday night. "To focus, we need to settle them down and talk to them and reassure them how they have been playing.'' Two other area teams have a shot to advance to the state tournament, beginning Wednesday in Tampa. Apopka will host Palm Harbor University in 6A, and Eustis will host Hudson in 4A. more
 

Winter Springs turns table on Oviedo with 2-1 victory

OVIEDO — The Oviedo Lions entered Wednesday night's region semifinal having defeated the Winter Springs Bears in all three of their meetings this season.

The Bears reversed that trend with a 2-1 victory at John Courier Field, clinching a spot in a Class 6A girls soccer region final for the first time Friday night. Winter Springs (16-6-3) will travel to face Flagler Palm Coast.

The score was tied when Vanessa Aponte took a perfect corner kick for the Bears, and Katrina Leibbrandt turned it into the game-winning goal with 2 minutes, 25 seconds left in the game.

"We told Vanessa that she had to get the ball in front of the goal and we have such strong girls up there," Winter Springs coach Kurt Oettl said. "Katrina wasn't going to miss from there.'' more

Lakeland Christian Gets Revenge on Santa Fe

LAKELAND | The Lakeland Christian Vikings didn't take too kindly to having their streak of 12 consecutive district titles snapped two weeks ago.

Lakeland Christian (16-6-3) scored two goals in the first 9 minutes and beat Santa Fe, 4-1, in front of about 400 fans at Santa Fe Stadium on Tuesday night in a Class 2A regional semifinal.

The Crimson Hawks (18-2-1) beat the Vikings, 2-1, on Jan. 22 for the 2A-8 title.

"Our girls had something to prove, and I think they came out and worked their butts off," LCS coach Jason Streets said.

Lakeland Christian will travel to face St. Johns Country Day on Friday night in Orange Park with a trip to the FHSAA Finals on the line. more
 

Barron hands Baker first loss to advance to regional finals

CAPE CORAL — After putting up with mud, an undefeated opponent and a streak of four years only making it as far as the regional semifinals, the Barron Collier girls soccer team earned its first berth in the regional finals since 2003 with a 4-1 win over Cape Coral-Baker on Tuesday night.

“(Barron’s) defense is phenomenal, and that is what we proved tonight,” Cougars coach Ray Morgan said.

The win ended the Bulldogs run at an undefeated season at 27-1. While there was much hype about that statistic, the Cougars (20-1) downplayed it.

“It not so much made us nervous,” defender Emily Berkinshaw said, “it fueled us.” more
 

Freshman's fighting spirit gives edge to Seminole

SEMINOLE — Jordyn Turner took on two East Lake players trying to protect the ball and won.

As a result, so did her team.

Thanks to Turner's aggressiveness, which set up a stunning game-winning shot by Sierra Lelii with less than three minutes remaining, Seminole is moving on to the Class 5A region final after a harrowing 2-1 victory over East Lake.

The Warhawks (18-2-2) will travel to Venice on Friday, making the region championship game for the third straight season and hoping to advance past it for the first time since 1991. more
 

St. Francis girls soccer ousted from playoffs

Last Thursday, the St. Francis girls soccer team picked up its first playoff-win in the four-year history of the program.

On Tuesday night, the Wolves’ season came to an end with a 3-0 loss at Tallahassee Maclay in a Region 1-2A semifinal. Maclay, which defeated P.K. Yonge in last week’s regional-quarterfinal, has now disposed of a pair of area teams in the first two round of the playoffs.

“Maclay played a fine game, I wasn’t surprised by the way they played,” St. Francis coach Henry Couch said. “I was pleasantly surprised by the way we played, we kept playing hard.”

The Marauders (20-1-3) scored just before halftime as Reanna Leoni found the back of the net in 39th minute for the 1-0 edge. more
 

Lourdes wins in close game over Palmetto Bay, moves on to regional final

The usual suspects, Lourdes and Miami Springs, will vie for the Region 4-6A girls' soccer championship.

But if not for some good physical endurance, and a couple of clutch shots in the shootout round, Lourdes would not have made it to the party this season.

Palmetto pushed the Bobcats to the brink Tuesday night, but Lourdes squeaked out a 2-1 victory in penalty kicks following a 1-1 tie through regulation and two overtimes.

``Palmetto gave us everything they had, but we managed to pull through,'' Lourdes coach Ray Walden said. ``I think playing in some tough tournaments earlier this season has helped us handle how to play in tight spots.'' more
 

Warriors' unbeaten run ends

TAMPA - There have been plenty of firsts in Steinbrenner's inaugural girls soccer season.

First goal, first win. First district title. First regional appearance and first regional victory.

But a first that hadn't occurred until Tuesday for the Warriors was a loss.

In the Class 4A-Region 3 semifinals, Steinbrenner suffered its first defeat of the season, dropping a 2-1 decision to Bradenton Lakewood Ranch.

Against the Mustangs (18-0-2), Steinbrenner encountered speed it hadn't seen this season. As a first-year program, the Warriors didn't play a particularly strong regular-season schedule.

"We learned as the game went on," Steinbrenner coach Teresa Patterson said. "You have to give Lakewood Ranch credit. more
 

Bobcats survive on penalty kicks

Tuesday night’s Region 1-5A girls soccer semifinal between Buchholz and Fleming Island turned into an impromptu Senior Night for the Bobcats at Citizens Field.

Senior forward Laura Bedford’s blast from some 40 yards out in the 62nd minute wiped out a 1-0 deficit and senior goalkeeper Brittany Hardin turned in a sensational performance with five saves as the Bobcats (19-4-0) rallied for a heart-pounding 5-4 win on penalty kicks over the Eagles (19-3-2).

“It was a total team effort,’’ first-year Bobcat head coach Jim Peterson said. “We didn’t play too well the first 30 minutes. I had my say at halftime and let the seniors take over.” more
 

Newsome gets past East Bay once again

LITHIA — Newsome and East Bay squared off Tuesday in a rematch of the Class 5A, District 9 championship game. The same team won again with the Wolves advancing courtesy of a 3-1 semifinal win.

Newsome coach Kelly Townsend warned her players about overlooking East Bay, a team it defeated 3-0 in the district final.

"When you're at this level, it's anybody's game," Townsend said. "Now the pressure's on for us to keep going." more
 

Venice bounces Freedom

TAMPA - On a wet and muddy field Tuesday night, Venice defeated the Freedom High girls soccer team 5-1 in the Class 5A-Region 3 semifinals.

Senior forward Tina Trujic led the Indians with three goals, including the first two of the game.

In the fourth minute, Trujic scored from a puddle of mud from about 20 yards out to open the scoring.

She followed with a goal from the corner of the box in the 13th minute.

The Indians' defense played tough throughout and goalie Ashley Weaver stopped nine of the 10 shots she faced.

In the 58th minute, Trujic finished her hat trick to increase Venice's lead to 4-0 and put the game out of reach. more
 

Cypress Bay topples W. Broward in semifinal

After losing to West Broward once during the regular season and again in the district championship game, the Cypress Bay girls' soccer team won the matchup that mattered most.

Cypress Bay defeated West Broward 4-2 on penalty kicks Tuesday night at Cypress Bay in a Region 3-6A semifinal after battling to a scoreless tie through regulation and two overtimes.

Hollie Aleman, Sara Perlman, Mariana Echeverry and Natalia Agualimpia scored on penalty kicks and goalkeeper Andrea Abed made some solid saves for Cypress Bay.

``The team knew that it would be hard to beat us three times,'' Cypress Bay coach Kay Dwyer said. ``We just worked hard and played hard.'' more

Plant's plan comes together too late in game

PALM HARBOR — There was a stretch in Plant's region semifinal Tuesday at Palm Harbor University where the Panthers hit their stride.

Plant possessed the ball and moved it side to side.

The Panthers' passes were crisp and on target.

They attacked with purpose.

Unfortunately for the Panthers, their invigorated play came about 60 minutes too late in a 2-0 loss to the Hurricanes. more
 

Trinity headed back to regional finals

The Celtics reached the Class 3A regional finals for the third straight year thanks to a 6-0 thrashing of visiting Crystal River on Tuesday.

Trinity (18-2-2) moves on to host Melbourne Central Catholic on Friday, a game that will determine Region 3A-3's final four representative. The Celtics became the first ever county girls soccer team to reach the final four a year ago.

“We'll have to work our butts off,” said junior striker Ashley Coley, who score twice for the Celtics. “We're the underdogs and everyone expects us to fail, but I feel like we'll pull through.” more

Last-second score lifts Bolles over Episcopal

It took nearly the full 80 minutes of play on Tuesday, but the Bolles girls soccer team finally squirted a goal past visiting Episcopal’s defense to take a 1-0 Region 1-3A semifinal victory.

In the 79th minute, senior Caroline Triglia launched a free kick from about 25 yards that bounced just in front of the goal. Senior Heather Allen redirected the ball with her stomach across the goal line and away from the Eagles’ keeper, and freshman Megan Block followed it in for the lone score of the game.

“It would have been very easy for people to feel pressure as the game went on without a goal and to panic,” Bulldogs coach Matt Tracy said. “I think we probably did a good job emotionally of staying with what we were trying to do the whole time instead of letting the clock and the scoreboard take us out of our game.” more
 

Tampa Prep starts slowly, then scores three unanswered goals

TAMPA — Tampa Prep had plenty of motivation Tuesday against Bradenton St. Stephen's.

Be it taking another step toward returning to the state's final four or erasing a bitter loss to the Falcons a month ago, the Terrapins were ready to take on their rival.

Still, it took the Terrapins a while to get into gear before rallying to down St. Stephen's 3-1 in the Class 2A region semifinals. more
 

Berkeley Prep changes tempo to put away CCC

TAMPA — You wouldn't know it by the final score, but for 71 minutes of Tuesday night's Class 3A second-round match Berkeley Prep was in a fight for its life against Clearwater Central Catholic.

One sequence of plays changed everything.

First, the Buccaneers got a stop. Then Taylor Batye, after winning a battle for the ball, made a perfect pass to Sam Newhaller, who slid a shot under the opposing keeper's outstretched arms to give Berkeley Prep a two-goal advantage. more

Crystal River Pirates see end to Cinderella season

OCALA – One game does not a season make. And that was the clear message that Crystal River girls’ soccer coach Bill Reyes delivered to his 17 girls in the minutes that followed the Lady Pirates 6-0 loss to the Trinity Catholic Celtics in the Region 3A-2 semifinals Tuesday night.

“You girls accomplished so much this year. You have gone farther than any Crystal River girls soccer team ever has. And you have gone just as far as any other girls soccer team ever has in Citrus County,” Reyes reminded his downtrodden team. “We’ve accomplished a lot this season. We tied Trinity Catholic the first time we played. You are the first Crystal River team to ever beat Lecanto. You are the first Crystal River team to ever bring home a trophy. And you are the first Crystal River team to ever make it to the regional semifinals. more

Falcons fall to Tampa Prep 3-1

TAMPA — When the sting wears off and the tears dry eye up, Amy Ivin will have fond memories of her final season of soccer at Saint Stephen’s.

Tuesday night, however, she was having a hard time wrapping her head around how it ended.

One of strongest seasons in the program’s history came to a close when the Falcons fell to Tampa Prep 3-1 in a Class 2A-Region 3 semifinal, robbing Saint Stephen’s of a third straight trip to a regional championship game.

It also ended the prep careers of Ivin and Brooke Cornetet, the seniors who helped lead Saint Stephen’s to an 18-4 mark and a district title.

“This was definitely our best year,” Ivin said. “The group of girls was just so nice, and it was so much fun to spend my senior year with them. This has been the best group, definitely, since I started in the eighth grade.” more
 

Barron faces unbeaten Baker with trip to 4A regional final at stake

NAPLES — Barron Collier has been the Southwest Florida's most dominant girls soccer program in recent history. In the past five seasons, the Cougars have won 96 matches, five district championships and five regional quarterfinal matches.

For all the victories and district trophies, there is one thing lacking from the Cougars' impressive resume -- a trip to the regional championship.

Despite winning five straight first-round regional matches, Barron Collier's postseason run has ended in the semifinal round each season. In 10 straight regional appearances, the Cougars have advanced to the championship just once (2003). more
 

River Ridge vs. Hudson semifinal preview

They represent the top teams on the North Suncoast. Overall records don't lie. The Hudson Cobras are on a constant search for respect. Homefield advantage is one way they've earned it. The River Ridge Royal Knights are searching for success. Sure, they stockpile district title trophies and bully just about every North Suncoast team they face. But there remains the constant quest to advance beyond the region semifinals, something they've never done. A win tonight will advance one of these teams to the region final with a shot at the final four. A loss will end someone's season and mean just one North Suncoast team has a shot at state. more

Hillsborough region semifinal preview

Pinellas region semifinal preview

St. Thomas tries to pin first loss on West Boca

St. Thomas Aquinas girls' soccer coach Carlos Giron believes his team is playing as well as it has all season, which could spell trouble for unbeaten West Boca Raton (21-0) in Tuesday's Class 5A regional semifinal.

The Raiders (17-1-2) have won 10 state titles, but hasn't been to the state final four in four years.

"This is probably one of the better teams we've had here defensively," said Giron, who is in his 26th year at the school. The Raiders have won six consecutive games by shutout. "We have played some good teams and some fast teams and we have been able to keep them in check. If we can play the way we usually play, we should do OK." more
 

West Boca faces challenge to stay perfect

West Boca High School girls' soccer coach Hassan Jaddaoui admits the pressure is mounting as his team tries to remain unbeaten and win a state title.

The Bulls (21-0) host perennial state power St. Thomas Aquinas in tonight's Class 5A regional semifinal. The Raiders (17-1-2) have won 10 state titles, but haven'tt been to the state final four in four years.

"Our players believe in themselves and play with confidence," Jaddaoui said. "We like to play more challenging teams and get wins against very worthy opponents. It will come down to who plays sharper. Everybody is excited and everybody wants to have this year as the year to go to a state tournament." more

Another first for Pines Charter

The firsts continued Thursday for the girls' varsity soccer team at Pembroke Pines Charter School. The Jaguars reached their first district final and region quarterfinal and now will play in their first region semifinal on Tuesday.

Pines Charter beat Key West 2-1 in overtime in its first region quarterfinal on Thursday night, but the firsts started last week when Pines Charter upset Archbishop McCarthy 1-0 in the District 15-4A semifinal. more
 

Jacksonville Regional Semifinal Previews

West Broward Bobcats rocket into contention

West Broward's girls soccer team has put together one of the fastest climbs to success in South Florida high school sports in recent memory.

In two short years of existence, the Bobcats (19-2-2) have gone from not having uniforms or equipment to district champion and legitimate state title contender.

But as quick as his team has risen to the top, first-year coach Victor Ruiz is cautioning his players as they enter Tuesday's regional semifinal showdown with district rival Cypress Bay (13-5-4) about how quick and easy it is to stumble. more
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De Oña lifts Lourdes past Killian

On Thursday night, after she scored the game's lone goal, Lourdes senior forward Andrea De Oña suffered a cramp in her ankle that kept her out of the final minutes of her team's girls' soccer match against Killian.

Her teammates picked her up literally and figuratively.

Led by a solid defense, Lourdes made the lead stick, hanging on for a 1-0 victory against the Cougars in a Region 4-6A quarterfinal at Columbus.

And after the match, De Oña's teammates carried her to the team's huddle to enjoy the victory.

De Oña, who has a team-high 16 goals, is one of 19 players on the roster who has scored at least one goal this season. more
 

Ponte Vedra finishes off Bishop Kenny 5-3

It seems the Ponte Vedra girls soccer team has solved its recent problems finding the net — and at just the right time.

The Sharks ousted host Bishop Kenny 5-3 on Thursday in a Region 1-4A quarterfinal.

"We've been getting opportunities and not finishing, so it was good to see we finished," Ponte Vedra coach Dave Silverberg said. "It was hectic, a crazy game. We're used to the 1-0 defensive games, and that was far from it."

Momentum bounced back-and-forth early. The Sharks (21-3) twice took a one-goal lead only to see Bishop Kenny (11-7-3) respond to tie the match. Then Ponte Vedra's offense opened up, and the Sharks rattled off three goals in 15 minutes to seize a 5-2 lead with 13:35 remaining. more
 

Gulliver advances with ease

For Gulliver's Dara Spital, the 2008 Christmas holiday wasn't one to remember.

A day before Christmas Eve, Spital tore her left anterior cruciate ligament, ending her junior season.

``It was really frustrating because I wanted to be out there with my team,'' Spital said. ``I couldn't play for six months, and it took awhile to feel like myself again.''

A year later, however, Spital is not only back. She's breaking records.

On Thursday afternoon, the senior forward helped keep the Raiders girls' soccer team stay undefeated with an 8-0 victory against Davie University in a Region 4-3A quarterfinal at Gulliver. The Raiders (22-0-1) will host Tavernier Coral Shores on Tuesday in the semifinals. more
 

Motta, Oswald lead teams to region quarterfinal wins

Ashley Oswald was satisfied with her performance Thursday night as she scored twice and added an assist to help lead St. Thomas Aquinas girls' soccer over visiting Wellington 5-0 in a Region 4-5A quarterfinal.

``I'm capable of doing better,'' she said.

Better wasn't needed as Oswald and the Raiders (17-1-3) dominated the action anyway. Oswald opened the scoring on a breakaway.

Then with under seven minutes remaining in the first half, Sara Franz out-hustled Wellington on the left side, working the ball to Oswald, whose shot deflected off Wolverines keeper Samantha Bandremer. Julia Schumacher raced toward the loose ball, scoring from 13 yards to give St. Thomas a 2-0 lead. more
 

St. Thomas Aquinas cruises by Wellington

Junior Ashley Oswald took charge in the offensive zone as host St. Thomas Aquinas wore down Wellington , 5-0, in a girls Class 5A soccer regional quarterfinal.

Oswald scored twice and added an assist on the first three goals for the Raiders, who used speed and persistence up front to create numerous scoring chances.

St. Thomas (17-1-3) set the tone early and did not allow a shot on goal in advancing to a regional semifinal match at West Boca on Tuesday. more
 

Allphin's goal lifts Douglas by Park Vista

Parkland - Kelsey Allphin scored the lone goal in the 34th minute as host Douglas defeated Park Vista, 1-0 in the a Class 6A regional quarterfinal on Thursday.

The Eagles (14-2-5) will play at Boca Raton in a regional semifinal match on Tuesday. It will be a rematch of last year's regional final which Douglas won 2-0. The teams played to a 0-0 tie in December. The Cobras season ends at 14-7-4.

"I tried to put myself in scoring position and when Adreina (Sifontes) played me the ball," said Allphin, who notched her 26th goal of the season with a right-footed blast past Cobras' goalkeeper Katy Richardson. "I just took the space they gave me. Thankfully they gave me a lot of room and I just got a shot off and scored." more

Boca Raton rolls past Coral Glades

Boca Raton - Boca Raton senior midfielder Kelly Costopoulos walked off the field with a bag of ice taped to each ankle.

"It doesn't hurt as much when you win," said Boca Raton coach Rachael Grimes, whose team has been beset by numerous ankle injuries throughout the year.

Costopoulos scored three goals and added two assists and junior forward Linzi Martin scored four goals to lead Boca Raton over Coral Glades 8-0 in the regional quarterfinals Thursday at Bobcat Stadium.

The Bobcats (20-4-2) will play nemesis Douglas, which defeated Park Vista 1-0, in the regional semifinals on Tuesday. Douglas defeated Boca Raton 2-0 in last year's regional finals. more

Carifi's goal enough to put Winter Haven into second round

WINTER HAVEN - Winter Haven High School didn't get many scoring opportunities Thursday night, but it only took one goal to move into the next round of the Class 5A girls soccer playoffs.

Haley Carifi took a pass and sent a straight shot over the goalkeeper's head and into the back of the net for the the only goal in a 1-0 win over Lake Region at Denison Stadium.

"Everything was down the middle of the field," Winter Haven coach Scott Short said. "We had six corner kicks I think, we just didn't use them to our advantage."

Many of the scoring opportunities by both teams were either thwarted by defenders before a shot could be taken or were weak shots easily stopped by the goalkeepers. more

Buchholz advances on OT goal

Buchholz junior midfielder Alex Stanojev was in perfect position to knock in the game winner with two-tenths of a second left in overtime for a victory over Tallahassee Chiles in the Region 1-5A quarterfinals.

“Anyone could have been there, it just happened to be me at the time,” Stanojev said.

The 1-0 win at Citizens Field secured the Bobcats a semifinal home game against Orange Park Fleming Island on Tuesday, a team they defeated 1-0 for the District 5-5A championship in Orange Park last Friday.

The winning goal came after a throw-in by senior forward Laura Bedford was perfectly turned into a shot attempt by sophomore defender Alexis Hunzinger. Chiles senior goalkeeper Deanna Rivet made an outstanding block on the shot but could not hold on with several Bobcats charging toward her. Stanojev was in that mix of Buchholz players and as soon as Rivet lost control of the ball, Stanojev knocked it in just before the buzzer. Bedford scored the winning goal in the Bobcats' district championship game against Fleming Island. more
 

Visiting Longhorns end Rams' postseason early

The Eastside girls soccer team is no stranger to the postseason.

The Rams played Harmony in a Region 2-4A quarterfinal Thursday night, which marked the third straight year and the 15th time in the last 17 seasons they reached the postseason.

On the other hand, the Longhorns were playing in their first-ever regional-playoff game.

Despite its playoff experience, the Rams fell to the Longhorns 2-1 at Citizens Field.

Eastside is still looking for its first postseason-victory since 2002 as its season came to an end with just its second loss this winter. more
 

Winter Springs rolls past Timber Creek

Vanessa Aponte scored twice and added two assists Thursday night as Winter Springs knocked off Timber Creek 6-1 in a Class 6A girls soccer region quarterfinal.

The Bears (15-6-3) advanced to a region semifinal Tuesday night at Oviedo, which blanked Freedom 4-0.

Shelby Guenthardt's goal with less than nine minutes to go in the first half proved to be the decisive goal. Guenthardt went one-on-one with Timber Creek goalkeeper Shelby Kesic, and once Kesic rushed out to make a save on the initial shot attempt, Guenthardt placed the loose ball in the far corner of the net. That gave the Bears a 2-1 advantage. more

Oviedo blanks Freedom

OVIEDO – With Bree McMahon providing inspiration from the bench, Freedom High's girls soccer team made history Thursday night with its first playoff appearance.

But the Patriots' postseason memories were cut short by a vastly superior Oviedo team, which scored four times off set plays to win 4-0 in a Class 6A region quarterfinal at Oviedo's John Courier Field.

The victory propelled the Lions into a region semifinal against Winter Springs at home Tuesday night. Winter Springs beat Timber Creek 6-1.

McMahon who lost a leg in a car-wash accident prior to the season. She plans on attending Brevard (N.C.) College on scholarship this fall.

"We've been scoring on set plays all year," said Oviedo coach Scott Waisanen, whose program is making its fourth consecutive playoff appearance. "Our set plays are very good." more

Bishop Moore stunned by Melbourne Central Catholic

Bishop Moore's girls soccer team was eliminated in the first round of the Class 4A region playoffs for the second year in a row, falling 1-0 to visiting Melbourne Central Catholic on Thursday night.

The Hornets (18-4-3) outshot MCC (9-7-3) 11-3 but could not put a ball in the net.

"We dominated the game,'' Bishop Moore coach Bobby Hurring said. "We just couldn't finish. It's been a great season. We deserved a little better than this. We were just a little flat.''

Molly Valencia scored MCC's only goal on a direct kick from 30 yards out in the first half

Celtics eliminate Raiders

OCALA — The Santa Fe High School girls soccer team put a scare into Ocala Trinity Catholic in Region 3A-2 quarterfinals on Thursday night.

The Raiders held a one-goal lead with 15 minutes left, but the Celtics, a Class 3A final four squad last season, scored four times the rest of the way and picked up a 5-2 win.

“I think we made them much more nervous than they thought they would be,” Santa Fe coach Jay Bromenschenkel said. “We knew they were a good team by looking at their record. I told the girls that this could be potentially their last game, and that they needed to bring it. I thought they brought it very well.” more
 

St. Andrew's gets fresh start in postseason

A district title helped ease some of the adversity the St. Andrew's School girls' soccer team faced this season in its quest to return to the state tournament.

The Scots' finished the regular season with its first losing record in the school's history (7-8-1) before it won the District 13-3A title last week with a 4-2 victory over Cardinal Newman behind Laura Weinberg's four goals. Cristina Ramirez, normally one of the team's forwards, played goalie in the contest.

Ramirez, was filling in for Scots' freshman goalie Catalina Perez, who missed her fourth game of the season because of a family situation. Ramirez, who hadn't played goalie since she was an Under-12 player. Perez saw action this summer with the full Columbian Women's National Team. more

Sideline shoutouts with Katelyn Ober

Bishop Moore Wins Another District Title

Bishop Moore Hornets Girls Soccer Team won their 24th District Title Saturday night @ Lake Highland. The Hornets overcame all odds to claim their 24th District Title. This was their first District Title back in Class 3A against a familiar foe in Lake Highland. "Playing on that turf was a little tough for us", stated Coach Bobby Hurring. "We came together as a team and I am so proud of the girls efforts". The game was decided on a first half goal by Nicole Fischer as she beat Lake Highland Goalkeeper, Shannon Taylor, to the near post on a beautiful left-footed volley from about 20 yards. The goal seemed to fire up the Hornets as they continued to pressure the Lake Highland back line. A couple near misses and the score remained 1-0 at halftime more

West Boca earns district title

Boca Raton - The perfect season continues.

Senior forward Erin Heidel's goal with 9:25 left in the first half stood up as top-seeded West Boca edged second-seeded Wellington 1-0 in the District 15-5A girls' soccer final Friday at Spanish River High.

It was the Bulls' second consecutive district title.

Both teams advance to the 5A regional quarterfinals on Thursday. West Boca (20-0) will host Nova and Wellington (16-6-1) travels to play St. Thomas Aquinas.

"The other team came out with defense in mind," West Boca coach Hassan Jaddaoui said. "It wasn't one of our best games, in terms of ball possession. Congratulations to their keeper [Sam Bandremer], she played smart. She kept us from the back of the net." more

Winter Haven runs away with district championship

LAKE WALES - Winter Haven High School didn't encounter much resistance on its way to the Class 5A, District 5 girls soccer championship Friday night, but coach Scott Short still saw some things the Blue Devils need to correct.

The Blue Devils topped Kissimmee Osceola, 7-0, behind three goals from Brittany Lajoie, and never faced any serious threat of giving up a goal. Winter Haven will play Lake Region on Thursday in the regional quarterfinal at Denison Stadium.

"Lajoie, she's really come on strong," Short said. "She wasn't even a starter for us last year, and she's just a sophomore." more
 

PHU cruises past Countryside for eighth straight crown

PALM HARBOR — At times, they were nothing more than silhouettes, their white tops camouflaged by a thick fog that blanketed the field and made seeing from goal to goal nearly impossible.

It may not have been easy to distinguish which Palm Harbor University player had the ball in Friday's 6A-7 district final against Countryside, but one thing was certain: The Hurricanes were in possession, and they weren't giving it up. more
 

Eagles Coast to 5A-6 Title

LAKELAND | The George Jenkins Eagles captured their seventh consecutive girls soccer district title Friday night, and they made it look easy.

Tori Abnathy scored three goals, Theresa Butler had two goals and three assists and the Eagles defeated Lake Region, 8-0, for the Class 5A-6 title at Jenkins' Veterans Stadium.

It was 7-0 at the half, and Kacy Scarpa's goal in the 14th minute of the second half ended the match.

"After the first goal I think we settled down and started to move the ball and played really well," Jenkins coach Joe Lenard said.

Jenkins will host 5A-5 runner-up Kissimmee Osceola at 7 p.m. Thursday, while Lake Region travels to Winter Haven. more
 

Indians denied a district title again

PALM BAY — The Vero Beach girls soccer team will have to wait another year to end its 24-year drought of no district titles.

The top-seeded Fighting Indians (11-6-1) suffered a 1-0 loss to No. 2 Bayside (12-4-3)in the District 6-6A final Friday at Bayside High School.

The two teams battled through more than 60 minutes of scoreless soccer before the Bears notched the game-deciding goal on Jenci Villaverde’s receive-and-turn shot to the upper left corner with 19:52 left.

“We were looking to end that drought,” Vero Beach coach Jose Gibert said. “We had our chances, but they got the one that beat us.” more
 

Tigers strike fast, knock off South Fork

PORT ST. LUCIE — Just under four minutes into the District 14-5A championship game, Martin County’s Victoria Levy was delivered a ball in the perfect place right in front of the goal.

The senior responded, placing a well-struck ball into the back of the goal.

Martin County (11-7-2) rode that momentum all night, beating top-seeded South Fork (9-5-1), 2-0, at Port St. Lucie High School on Friday to win its first district soccer title since 2007. Levy, then a freshman, was the starting sweeper for that team. Now, she is a steadying force in the midfield.

“This means everything,” she said. “None of my teammates have ever won a district championship before.” more
 

Freedom cruises to title

TAMPA - Emily Ball must have felt like the loneliest person in Tampa.

The Freedom goaltender faced no shots as the Patriots downed Hillsborough, 5-0, in the Class 5A-District 9 final at Leto on Friday. Not only did Ball face no shots, but the Terriers barely got the ball past midfield while Freedom got off 25 shots.

It was a reminder of their meeting in December when Freedom outshot Hillsborough 14-2, but one resulted in a goal in a 1-0 Terriers win.

While Ball spent most of the night by herself, Hillsborough goaltender Amber Davis kept the Terriers in the game, making several big saves in the first half. She kept it close, holding the score to 1-0 at intermission, but Freedom broke through down the stretch before emptying the bench. more

Maffei scores 5 for Terps

TAMPA - The trouble for Indian Rocks Christian started the minute Tampa Prep saw Friday's newspaper story in which IRC claimed it was ready for Friday night's Class 2A-District 9 final.

"We pinned the article to the locker room wall," Tampa Prep coach Cindy Schofield said. "You know, that really got us fired up. I mean we beat (IRC) 8-0 the last time we played."

Make that consecutive 8-0 results.

In fact, only 52 minutes after it began, Tampa Prep had reached the eight-goal mercy rule and sealed its fifth consecutive girls district soccer title. more

 

Hudson prevails in 2 OTs

HUDSON - The matchup everyone wanted didn't disappoint.

No. 2 seed Mitchell facing off against No. 1 seed Hudson in the Class 4A-District 7 final. The teams split the regular-season series, and the Mustangs, in their first year in 4A, were trying to stop the Cobras from winning three straight district titles.

Hudson (16-3-1) prevailed Friday, defeating Mitchell 2-1 in the second overtime in a game clouded by heavy fog and a rowdy crowd that included the boys teams from both schools cheering on their female counterparts.

Hudson scored first, less than two minutes into the game when leading scorer Alicia Schuering put in a pass from Erica Wills. The Mustangs (12-2-1) answered with five minutes left in the first half when Leslie Fallon picked up a goal. more

Plant's early goal earns win

VALRICO - An early goal by Abby Meckley was all Plant needed to earn the Class 6A-District 8 girls soccer title as a strong defensive performance gave the Panthers their second consecutive district title with a 1-0 victory against Bloomingdale on Friday night.

Connor Zwetsch created the chance for Meckley in the fourth minute, making a strong run before centering into the penalty area where Meckley fired home.

From then on, neither side held the upper hand for long, the Bulls' passing giving them as much of the play as the Panthers. But the Panthers' defense, led by center back Amy Werdine, restricted the Bulls to shots from long range, none of which seriously tested goalkeeper Lauryn Bodden. more

Warriors dominate in 8-0 win

RIVERVIEW - Alexis Bredeau scored a hat trick to lead Steinbrenner High to an 8-0 victory over Robinson in the Class 4A-District 9 final Friday at Spoto.

The game was halted at the 25:33 point in the second half when Megan Laughlin scored the eighth goal, forcing the mercy rule.

The win was Steinbrenner's fourth shutout in a row and its fourth consecutive match stopped by the mercy rule.

"I really don't know how good we are," Warriors coach Teresa Patterson said. "I still don't think we truly have been tested. There are no seniors on the squad." more
 

Berkeley blanks CCC

ST. PETERSBURG - Sam Newhaller is on a hot streak. Good thing, because Berkeley Prep needed all the help it could get.

The senior forward scored her third goal of the season in Friday's Class 3A-District 10 final at St. Petersburg Catholic, and it was just what Berkeley Prep needed. Her goal with 22:01 left in the first half was the difference in a 1-0 win over Clearwater Central Catholic.

Taylor Batye had the assist as Newhaller finished a give-and-go.

"I found Taylor out wide and she beat the defender one-on-one and sent the perfect ball to me," Newhaller said. "I was just able to finish. I feel like we've been playing a lot better together (with Batye). We're making it count." more
 

Manatee falls in 5A-10 final against Venice

VENICE — Caked in mud from head to toe, Alyssa Brock fulfilled her captain duties in the wake of Friday’s Class 5A-District 10 girls soccer final.

Along with senior co-captain Molly Knight, Brock, Manatee’s senior goalie, accepted the runner-up trophy following the Hurricanes’ 5-0 loss to the Indians.

It wasn’t the bauble Manatee wanted. But on this night, they were willing to accept the fact the Indians just played better.

“When you make little mistakes and they just build up, it’s disheartening,” Brock said. “But we know as team we played our best. Sometimes you win some, and sometimes you lose some.”

Brock made 12 saves on the night, giving her 20 in Manatee’s two district tournament games. But Venice’s forward duo of senior Tina Trujic and junior Dana LaRocque proved too powerful to stop. more
 

Newsome eases to a 3-0 win

GIBSONTON - Newsome coach Kelly Townsend was quick to remind her team before the district tournament that the second-seeded Wolves had not won a title from the No. 1 spot. Newsome captured its second consecutive Class 5A-District 8 title by defeating East Bay 3-0 on Friday.

The Wolves might have felt slighted after getting the No. 2 seed after tying at East Bay in the regular season and having the seed decided by a tiebreaker.

"It was huge for us to come out here and take back what was ours," Townsend said. "We had a little hiccup in the regular season, but tonight we were ready to play."

The Wolves got two goals on set pieces by sophomore midfielder Caroline Evers, who said the win was a statement in what has become a rivalry. more
 

St. Johns Country Day wins seventh straight district title

The St. Johns Country Day girls soccer team doesn’t have much experience playing from behind in the postseason.

The Spartans, who outscored their opponents a combined 24-0 in the playoffs last year, gained about 19 seconds worth of that experience on Friday in their 5-2 District 5-2A championship victory over host Providence.

The Stallions (11-6-2) scored first with 33:28 to play in the half on a goal by Allison Miller off an assist by Cammie Jackson, who had made a run into the SJCD 18-yard box.

But the reigning Class 2A state champion Spartans (17-1-2) responded 19 seconds later with a score by Natalie Torres.

“We’ve got a lot of veterans and they have a lot of heart, desire and pride,” Spartans coach Mike Pickett said. “It shouldn’t take us getting down a goal to start playing, but it did for some reason, and after that we woke up and started playing.” more
 

TenBroeck lifts Suwannee soccer to district title

NEWBERRY — Suwannee girls soccer coach Bill Harris said that he was a little concerned about his team settling down during the early stages of Friday night's District 5-3A championship match against Santa Fe.

The Raiders did come out and controlled the contest early on, but the Bulldogs responded and took advantage of scoring opportunities like a team with an undefeated record should.

Freshman Jessie TenBroeck scored twice during a five-minute span in the first half as Suwannee blanked Santa Fe, 2-0 to claim its first district title since 2004.

Amber Morgan and Shannon Wood each had an assist for the Bulldogs, who improved to 17-0-2. Suwannee will be making its first regional playoff appearance since 2007 as it will host Crystal River in Thursday's Region 2-3A quarterfinal. more
 

Wolves stop Blue Wave for district soccer title

A flurry of cheers drowned out the St. Francis announcer as the Wolves claimed their second consecutive district championship Friday night.

As the Wolves jumped, hugged and hollered, some P.K. Yonge girls held their heads, while others covered their faces. Some lost all balance, sprawling headfirst onto the soggy pitch as another 1-0 loss hung over them.

For the third time this year, one goal was the difference as each school split 1-0 during the regular season.

With most of the play revolving around the middle of the field, all it took to break the deadlock was a simple clearing error by the Blue Wave defense in the first half to give St. Francis the lone goal. more

Eastside knocks off Belleview in title match

BELLEVIEW — The Belleview High girls soccer team just couldn't put things together against Gainesville Eastside in the District 4A-5 championship match on Friday night at the Strike Zone.

The Rattlers outshot the Rams and had numerous excellent opportunities, but couldn't break through consistently against EHS goalie Grace Chrzanowski and fell 3-1.

“We had our chances,” said Rattlers coach Gary Lefebvre, whose team lost all three matches it had this season with Eastside. “We played real well the first 20 minutes, but couldn't get on the board and then made three or four mistakes and they took advantage of them.”

Despite the loss, Belleview advances to the regional quarterfinals Thursday and will visit the winner between Eustis and Harmony.more

Trinity Catholic girls win district crown

THE VILLAGES — The Celtics didn't forget, or forgive, this year's bump on a normally smooth district ride.

Two months ago the Pirates broke Trinity Catholic's 37-match district winning streak in girls soccer with a 1-1 tie in Crystal River.

But Friday night No. 1 seed Trinity left no doubt who the 3A-6 top dog was with an empathic 6-1 rout of second-seeded Crystal River to claim its fifth consecutive district title.

The Celtics fired 22 shots compared to just six by the Pirates, and were the more aggressive and physical team throughout.

It was exactly what head coach Blendal Elias wanted to see out of his team following a disappointing 6-2 loss to state power Jacksonville Bolles last Saturday. more
 

Santa Fe Ends LCS' Streak of 12 Straight Titles

WINTER HAVEN | Santa Fe's confidence against Lakeland Chrisitian has been building over the past two seasons. The Crimson Hawks snagged a regular-season victory last year and tied the Vikings this season in the regular season.

None of that, however, compares with Friday night.

The Crimson Hawks picked up perhaps their biggest victory ever in girls soccer by defeading Lakeland Christian, 2-1, in the championship game of the Class 2A, District 8 girls soccer tournament at All Saints, ending the Vikings' streak of 12 consecutive district titles.

"For the last three years, we've been able to be a little more competitive," Santa Fe coach Billy Dickerson said. "They're the ones we mark on the calendar. They the standard for us in our classification and the county. We figure if we can hang with them, we can handle anything we get after districts."more

Apopka stops Ocoee in 6A-5 championship match

Kaley Rhodes and Selena Jaimes scored goals for Apopka on Friday night, and the Blue Darters went on to beat Ocoee 2-0 in the Class 6A, District 5 girls soccer final at Olympia. Apopka beat Ocoee for the third time this season. "We were the No. 1 seed, and we wanted to make sure we had an opportunity to get to the state playoffs," Apopka coach Doug Matthews said. "We had a plan tonight, and we knew we had to stop Micah Brown. We went out and perfected that plan." Shanel Bodden was in goal for Apopka (19-5-2), which will host a region quarterfinal Thursday night. Olympia (14-8-2) will be on the road during that round. more
 

Timber Creek secures 6A-4 girls soccer district title by topping Freedom

WINTER PARK -- Timber Creek wasn't fazed with a halftime deficit against Freedom on Friday night in the Class 6A, District 4 girls soccer championship at Winter Park.

Never losing confidence when trailing by a goal, the Wolves scored four goals in the game's final 30 minutes to run away with a 4-1 victory against the Patriots, earning their first district championship in three years.

"We've done well in the second half; I'm really not sure why," said Timber Creek coach Jennifer Manis, whose team overcame a 1-0 deficit to defeat Winter Park 3-2 in the district semifinals. "We've come out weak and then we get pumped up." more

District title for Bartram girls soccer team

Jenn West knew that one goal was going decide the girls soccer district championship. In some strange way, she knew who was going to score it, too.

Alicia Jacobson's soft header with 28 minutes to play stood up as Bartram Trail edged Ponte Vedra 1-0 to win the District 4-4A championship on Friday night.

The win sends the Bears on to host Thursday's Class 4A regional quarterfinal against Paxon. The Sharks (20-3) will travel to face Bishop Kenny.

The Bears (20-2-1) have Jacobson and their defense to thank for delivering their fourth consecutive district title, and first as a member of Class 4A.

West said she noticed some spots that her midfielder could have attacked a little bit better and challenged her to do something with the opportunity. more
 

West Broward wins first district title, 1-0

Weston - West Broward sophomore forward Danielle McGill understands it takes key contributions from every teammate to win this time of the season.

While her Bobcat teammates each did what was expected of them Friday night in the girls' soccer District 12-6A championship at Cypress Bay High, what they needed of her was to score.

With just under seven minutes remaining, McGill scored on a direct kick from 20 yards out through traffic and over Cypress Bay goalkeeper Andrea Abed for the only goal.

The 1-0 win gives West Broward (18-2-2) its first district title, in its second year of existence. It will next host District 11-6A runner-up McArthur in the regional quarterfinal Thursday at 7 p.m. more

A to Z with Laura Bedford

Name: Laura Bedford

School: Buchholz

Year: Senior

Position: Midfield and forward

Jersey number: 18

Height: 5-foot-7

Area player I would pay to watch play: My teammate Carly Anderson because of her speed and the facial expressions she makes while she is going in for a tackle during a game; Madeline Forrestel of GHS because of her footwork and she is fun to watch. more
 

Lady Dolphins beat Niceville on Senior Night

The GBHS Lady Dolphin soccer team answered one of its worst showings of the year with one of its best, a 2-0 win over Niceville on Senior Night Thursday in Gulf Breeze.

GBHS entered the District 1- 4A Tournament this week as the top seed. They played Washington in the semifinals Wednesday (after the News’ deadline). The Lady Dolphins were shooting for their 18th straight playoff appearance Wednesday and their 12th straight district title Friday.  more

 

Panthers wait, then blank Ravens to reach final vs. Bloomingdale

VALRICO — It took longer than expected, but Plant exacted a little revenge Wednesday.

The match was delayed an hour and a half due to Alonso's team bus being late, but the Panthers shook off the delay and cruised into the 6A-8 final with a 4-0 win against the Ravens, the only team Plant (19-1-1) drew with all season. The Panthers will face Bloomingdale, a 6-0 winner in the other semifinal, for the district title at 7 p.m. Friday.

"We had a come-to-Jesus meeting after that one," Plant coach Steve McGill said, referring to the midseason draw. more

Hillsborough hangs on in second half; Freedom gets to final

TAMPA — Hillsborough held off a second-half push by Sickles for a 2-1 win and Freedom put away Gaither late to win 3-0 in the Class 5A, District 9 semifinals at Leto on Wednesday night.

The Terriers will take on the Patriots in the district final Friday.

Hillsborough looked like it was going to run away with the match, scoring a pair of quick goals by Megan Nelson and Morgan Parker in the first 25 minutes. It dominated possession, using accurate passing to keep the ball in the Gryphons' end for the majority of the half. more

Russo boosts Mitchell with 4 goals, sets up Hudson rematch

HUDSON — Gulf coach Shari Schau felt like this might be the year her squad could make its first playoff appearance since 2006.

But what is one team's loss is another's gain, as Mitchell earned a berth into the Class 4A playoffs with four goals from forward Marisa Russo in a 4-2 semifinal win Wednesday night at Cobra Stadium.

"I thought we had a team this year that could get it done," Schau said. "I thought we played hard, but we need a lot more conditioning if were going to play with 15 players." more

George Jenkins, Lake Region Cruise

LAKELAND | The George Jenkins girls soccer team clinched its eighth consecutive regional berth Wednesday night, while Lake Region earned its first since 2004.

Jenkins (20-0-1), which is ranked third in the country by ESPN.com, defeated Auburndale 8-0 in the Class 5A-6 semifinals at the Eagles' Veterans Stadium. Lake Region (12-6-2) beat Bartow, 4-0, in the other semifinal.

The championship is at 7 p.m. Friday at Jenkins.

The Eagles jumped out early with a goal by Tori Abnathy in the fourth minute, but they couldn't extend their lead until the 22nd minute when Emily Rice connected off a rebound on an Abnathy shot. Rice scored again in the 31st minute on an assist by Theresa Butler.

Ashley Lopez and Butler added goals to make it a 5-0 Jenkins lead at the half.

"We thought if we could play an early ball and get behind them we'd be pretty successful tonight," Jenkins coach Joe Lenard said. more

Sickles, East Bay make final

TAMPA - Two first-half goals by Matt Brown and the 12th clean sheet of the season for goalkeeper Brandon Stout gave Sickles a return trip to the final of the Wharton Invitational with a 2-0 victory against King on Wednesday night.

The Gryphons will face East Bay, which defeated Hillsborough 2-1 in the other semifinal, in the championship match at Wharton tonight at 8.

Brown typically plays midfield for Sickles, but in recent matches he has been moved up front by Coach Tony Calvo. Based on his performance Wednesday, Brown will likely stay there.

"I was really pumped for this game," Brown said. "I just wanted to do whatever I could for my teammates to get us back in the final." more

Patient Plant advances

TAMPA - Alonso's bus was 11/2 hours late to Bloomingdale High, a fact that pushed Wednesday's Class 6A-District 8 semifinals way behind schedule and left Plant, Alonso's opponent, searching for warmth in the dropping temperatures.

No worries. Less than 10 minutes into the match, Plant's Amy Werdine nailed a header into the back of the net and the Panthers were on the way to a 4-0 victory. Connor Zwetsch, Caroline Bado and Olivia Muratides also scored for Plant (19-1-1).

"We're used to starting late because our buses are always late," Panthers coach Steve McGill said. "So that was no big deal."

Plant's foe Friday will be Bloomingdale, which defeated Wharton 6-0 in Wednesday's late game. more
 

Sophomore's cool shot propels CCC past SPC

ST. PETERSBURG — In the face of mounting pressure, Clearwater Central Catholic's Kaitlin Parker remained calm with the Marauders' playoff hopes on her foot.

Her reward? The winning overtime goal Wednesday in CCC's 2-1, district semifinal victory over St. Petersburg Catholic that sends the Marauders into Friday's final against Berkeley Prep, a 5-2 winner over Tampa Catholic in the early semifinal. more

Indians edge way into final vs. Wolves

GIBSONTON— All week East Bay soccer coach Becky Wickham said she has been asked about a possible district title game against Newsome on Friday.

"I told them we have to play Wednesday first," Wickham said.

And the host and top-seeded Indians got a challenge from fifth-seeded Riverview in Wednesday's Class 5A-8 semifinals, but survived with a 1-0 win to earn the right to play Newsome in Friday's title game. The second-seeded Wolves beat fourth seed Durant 2-0. more

Orange Park, Fletcher to face off in final

The Orange Park girls soccer team is headed somewhere it hasn’t been since 2003 — the regional playoffs.

The Raiders defeated host Mandarin 2-1 in a District 1-6A semifinal on Wednesday to advance to Friday’s district championship. The victory also earned Orange Park (7-10-3) a berth in next week’s regional quarterfinals.

“We haven’t really had a stellar season, and it just all came down to tonight’s game and they showed up to play,” Raiders coach Kristen Heimerle said of her players. “It’s nice to keep playing.”

Orange Park’s Jessica Duneman helped ensure the Raiders could keep playing when she provided an insurance goal less than one minute into the second half. more
 

Vero Beach ready to fill in title blank

None of Vero Beach’s girls soccer players had been born when the team won its last district title.

That was in 1986.

Thanks to a two-goal second half Wednesday, the latest generation of Fighting Indians will have a shot at their own championship.

Kathleen Keenan and Kat McClain scored goals as Vero Beach beat St. Lucie West Centennial 2-0 in a District 6-6A semifinal at Bayside High in Palm Bay.

“We knew it was a do-or-die situation,” Vero Beach coach Jose Gibert said. “The players stepped it up a notch (and) we created a few more opportunities.”

Keenan scored on a penalty kick eight minutes into the second half, then assisted on Kat McClain’s goal with 10 minutes remaining. more
 

Gorodetsky's 3 goals send Jensen to District 14-4A final

Lauren Gorodetsky made her 18th birthday extra special Wednesday.

The senior had a hand in all four goals as Jensen Beach’s girls soccer team defeated Dreyfoos School of Arts 4-0 in a District 14-4A semifinal at Riviera Beach.

After a scoreless 25 minutes, Gorodetsky took over. She scored the first goal on a breakaway, the second on a header off a crossing pass five minutes before halftime, and the third on a rebound four minutes into the second half.

For good measure, Gorodetsky assisted Cat Hasell’s goal to close the scoring more
 

Coral Glades wins District 10-6A semifinal

Deerfield Beach - "Twenty minutes to glory."

During the second half water break, with his team leading 1-0, Coral Glades coach Hernan Borja kept repeating that phrase to his players: "Twenty minutes to glory."

And they would be the toughest 20 minutes the Jaguars faced all match.

With Taravella attacking the rest of the way, the Jaguars' defense was constantly backed up in their own goal. Junior goalkeeper Brooke Mortensen picked up four of her six saves in that span, including a one-on-one against Francesca Caravello, but was able to hold off the Trojans charge as the Jaguars earned the 1-0 victory in a District 10-6A semifinal match Wednesday.

Coral Glades will face Douglas for the district championship Friday at 7 more

Park Vista girls upset Palm Beach Central in 9-6A soccer semis

Boca Raton - It's a rematch not many expected.

Fourth-seeded Park Vista scored 49 seconds into the game and held on to upset second-seeded Palm Beach Central 2-1, while top-seeded Boca Raton dominated fifth-seeded Palm Beach Gardens 2-0 in the District 9-6A semifinals Wednesday at Boca Raton High.

Boca and Park Vista played to a scoreless tie earlier this season.

"They'll be gunning for us," said Park Vista coach Jim Cappello. "We're really beat up. For Friday, who knows what we'll have left in the tank. "Reaching the [district] final has been our goal all season."

Park Vista (14-5-4) took a 1-0 lead when senior Katie Sweeney broke through the defense and converted a pass from Jenny Peterson. more

River Ridge girls striving for No. 5

If such a thing as a five-peat exists, that is what the River Ridge girls soccer team will be shooting for Friday.

The Royal Knights have won four consecutive district titles and are hosting this week's Class 4A-District 8 tournament as the No. 1 seeds. They like their chances to take the championship again, even if they have to face No. 2 seed Land O' Lakes after the rivals split the season series.

"I've never told them what we can and can't do," Coach Skip Glover said. "We beat every team in the district, though by no means are we a lock. We have to play well to get to Friday (for the district championship) and we have to play our game." more
 

Defensive Battle

LAKE WALES - The Lake Wales High School girls soccer team locked up a spot in Thursday night's Class 5A, District 5 semifinals with a 2-0 victory over Sebring High School at breezy Legion Field on Tuesday.

Most of the tension in the first half was in a cat-and-mouse game between Highlander forward Kim Maldanado and Sebring goalkeeper Meghan Williams.

Maldanado made at least four shots before she finally scored the first goal with less than five minutes left in the first half. Highlander midfielder Logan Cornelius made a worthy shot near the end of the first half, but Sebring's Williams made a quick save, causing Cornelius to trip over her.

Lake Wales played a strong defensive game, keeping most of the action on one side of the field for the first half, until the two-minute mark when Sebring made its first attempt. more

Spanish River coasts past Dwyer in playoffs

Wellington - Junior forwards Marissa Koolik and Paulina Dubov scored two goals each as third-seeded Spanish River coasted past sixth-seeded Dwyer 6-0 in the first round of the District 15-5A girls soccer playoffs at Wellington High School.

The Sharks will host No. 2 Wellington , which routed No. 7 Forest Hill 7-0, in a semifinal Wednesday. Freshman forward Anna Talbot led the Wolverines with three goals and sophomore forward Katie Casey added two goals.

"Now, Wednesday is the most important game of the year," said Spanish River head coach Kevin Turner.

The Sharks (11-5-4) jumped out quickly as Koolik scored 1:20 into the game when she knocked in a deflection off the Dwyer goalie. Koolik made it 2-0 in the ninth minute when she got behind the defense inside the box. more

Auburndale Edges Braves; Bartow Downs Lakeland

LAKELAND | The Auburndale Bloodhounds bounced back from a poor start to pull out a 3-1 district quarterfinal victory against Lake Gibson on Tuesday night at George Jenkins.

No. 4 seed Auburndale (14-6-3) will face top seed George Jenkins in one of tonight's Class 5A-6 semifinals. No. 3 Bartow, which beat Lakeland 3-1 on Tuesday, will face second-seeded Lake Region in the other semifinal.

Lake Gibson (6-13-2) jumped out to an early 1-0 lead against Auburndale when Maddie Dixon took a shot from the right corner that crossed just past keeper Ashton Cox and into the far left corner of the net five minutes in.

Bloodhounds coach Steve Linamen wasn't worried.

"Seems like all season long we've kind of started slow . . . going down a goal it really wasn't too stressful," he said. more

Barron bounces back; Lely, FBA advance at district tournaments

NAPLES — The Barron Collier girls soccer team responded to its first loss of the season with an 8-0 victory Tuesday over East Lee County in the first round of the Class 4A-District 12 tournament.

The top-seeded Cougars — who improved to 16-1, with their lone blemish coming 3-0 on Saturday to powerhouse Plantation-American Heritage — advanced to play Lely at 5 p.m. Thursday in the district semifinals at Naples High.

On Tuesday, Maria Gomez put Barron on the board five minutes into the first half, with Sarah Vente earning the assist. Jamie Lockie scored the next two goals assisted by Jen Martin. Martin then took the scoring baton, putting away three goals before halftime. more
 

A slice of military family life, from two players' perspectives

Berkeley Prep senior soccer player Taylor Batye also feels the support — and absence — of her father, stationed in Iraq since September 2004. Jondi Batye, who is in Camp Victory working in intelligence, hasn’t seen his daughter play a high school soccer game or run cross country. “I’ve kind of gotten used to it,” said Batye, whose Bucs (15-4-2) open district tournament play this week as the top seed. “You think about it sometimes, like when we had our senior night and everyone else’s mother and father are walking the players down the field. I had my mother and my sister. It’s sad, but I know he’s there for a reason.”

Taylor’s mother, Marty, a retired nurse who also served in the Army, said her husband hopes to return this spring for Taylor’s graduation. Taylor, who considered going to colleges like Yale, Georgetown and Penn, has received an appointment to the Naval Academy, where she will also play soccer. She hopes to study pre-med or go into intelligence like her father. more

Stephanie Ferro is the PCAC of the week

Stephanie is the PCAC assist leader as of 1/11/2010 with 18 total assists. She is a starting center mid since her freshman year, a Regional Champion in 2008 at East Lake High School. All - Pinellas County Soccer team honors. Club Team: RSL Elite U18 Stephanie will be playing her college soccer career at Florida Atlantic University and studying Physical Therapy GPA: 4.0 (Un weighted), 4.5 (Weighted) Academics: National Honor Society, Presidential Academic Excellence Award, Dean's List, Student Government, Sports Writer School Newspaper, S.A.D.D Students Against Destructive Decisions Chair member
 

Creekside making mark in girls soccer

Something about Menendez tends to bring out the best in Alexis Colon and the Creekside girls soccer team.

The goal now is to show that it can play against everyone else.

Colon had a hat trick, and the Knights' defense did the rest in a 6-0 win over the Falcons in the District 4-4A quarterfinals on Monday night. It's the second time in as many tries that Creekside has ended the Falcons' season. And for Colon, a freshman, nothing has brought out her best like the Falcons. She scored four goals the last time the teams played.

The Knights know what's coming next. For the two seasons they've been around, they've been compared to district rivals Ponte Vedra and Bartram Trail. more
 

Pope's D'Addio Reaches Century Mark For Goals and Assists
Sets All Time Pope John Paul II Soccer Scoring Record

Boca Raton, Fl, Brittany D'Addio, Girls Varsity Soccer Senior co-captain at Pope John Paul II High School became the only player in Pope John Paul II History to score both 100 career goals and assists when she scored her 100th assist last Friday vs S. Fl. Heat.  Earlier in the season D'Addio hit the century mark for career goals with her 100th vs Summit Christian. D'Addio ended the regular season on Friday with 118 goals and 102 assists, with post season District and Regional playoffs still ahead.  D'Addio is the only player in Pope John Paul II History to reach the coveted century mark for both Goals and Assists and holds the all time scoring record at Pope. "It's certainly been another nice season for Brittany, capping off a great High School career" said Scott Baker, PJP II Athletic Director and also Brittany's coach for her Team Boca club team. "We've had a long history of very talented players here at Pope, but none have reached the 100/100 mark so that speaks a lot about Brittany's ability" said Baker.  more

Bulldogs huge test for Viera girls soccer team

"We hit Mel-High early in the season," he said. "I think we were a little shell-shocked. I think we've gotten stronger and stronger as the season has gone on."
Chances are, Richards' Viera High girls soccer team will receive two more shots over the next few weeks against Melbourne (19-0-0). The first will likely occur Thursday in the Class 5A, District 13 final at Melbourne.
Based upon results, Viera (13-1-0) is Brevard County's second-best girls soccer team. Unfortunately for the Hawks, the best -- Melbourne -- also is in their district and a likely regional semifinal foe. In the early-season match, Melbourne won 3-0, out-shooting the Hawks 15-3. more
 

Park Vista goalie rebounds from surgery to play the sport she loves
Katy Richardson helps put Cobras in postseason

Park Vista sophomore Katy Richardson loves playing the game of soccer.

The Cobras' starting goalkeeper, Katy lives for the thrill of competing in each match alongside her teammates.

So this past June when her doctors told her that there was a good chance she'd miss the upcoming season, she vowed to defy all odds and prove the professionals wrong.

And she did.

Much to the amazement of her doctors who made both her legs the same length, Richardson completed her therapy months ahead of schedule. She was cleared to play for the Cobras in the fifth game of the season. more

Ocala Area District Capsules

Tampa Area District Schedules

Tampa Area District Previews

Class 6A-District 8

WHERE: Bloomingdale

WHO: Alonso, Bloomingdale, Brandon, Plant, Wharton

OUTLOOK: There is a sports cliche about how difficult it is to beat a good team three times in a season. Odds are that is what Plant (18-1-1) will have do when it likely faces off against Bloomingdale (12-4-3) in the 6A-8 final. more
 

Golden Eagles eye the gold in high school girls soccer district

Coach Darrell Ivey would love for his Fleming Island girls soccer team to win the District 4-5A title.

For the last three seasons, the Golden Eagles finished runner-up in the district championship to nemesis Bartram Trail.

But with the Bears reclassified into Class 4A, top-seeded Fleming Island is a clear favorite to take first this season.

For Ivey, though, reaching Friday’s district final is even more important than winning the title — because the top two teams from each district advance to regional play. more


 

Lakeland Christian Girls Hope to Keep Title Streak Alive

LAKELAND | It's been 12 years since the Lakeland Christian girls soccer team lost a district championship.

But it won't be easy for the Vikings to make it 13 in a row.

Lakeland Christian enters this week's Class 2A-8 tournament 13-5-3 overall and 5-0-1 in district play, clinching the top seed in the tournament with a 1-0 victory against rival Santa Fe on Jan. 8.

The Vikings play fourth seed All Saints on Thursday in one semifinal, while Santa Fe plays Seffner Christian in the other. The two rivals, who also tied 3-3 in December, are likely to advance and meet again for the district title Friday night.

"It's going to be tough," senior Gaines Griffin said. "It's always an exciting game, and it's going to be pretty intense." more
 

Polk County Gears up for Tourney

When the girls soccer district tournaments start Monday, Winter Haven High School will be trying to win its first district championship since the 2004-05 season.

After the district realignment, the Blue Devils are no longer in the same district as rival George Jenkins.

Winter Haven has a bye in the first round, but the Class 5A, District 5 tournament will begin Monday in Lake Wales at Legion Field.

Ridge will play Sebring at 7 p.m. and the winner will move on to play Winter Haven on Thursday. more
 

Busy Year for St. John's Keeper, Sarah Voigt

It has been a busy year for St. John's Country Day's Sarah Voigt. Last February her high school team won the 2A State Championship, in June her club team, Ponte Vedra Storm, won the State Championship, and in July the same club team won the Region III Championship and came in second at the National Championships. 

During that time Sarah also has been able to rack up some personal awards for herself. She was selected to the FloridaGirlsSoccer 2A All-State Team. She was selected as an ESPN RISE All-American and to the NSCAA All-Region Team.

Oh yea, she has also committed to one of the nations best college soccer programs, Notre Dame. more

Pinellas: district preview

It has been 11 seasons since two county teams (Clearwater Central Catholic and Palm Harbor University in 1999) won girls soccer state titles in the same season. But with the amount of quality teams Tampa Bay boasts this season, the area seems poised to repeat that feat. The district tournaments mark the beginning of the "real" season. Win and keep playing; lose and go home. District champs and runnersup advance to region. more

Hillsborough:district preview

At this time of the girls soccer season, it's about finding the right places to put key players, staying healthy and peaking at the right time. After all, the regular season is merely preparation for the postseason, and as district tournament play begins Tuesday, every team still has a dream of making it to the state tournament at the University of Tampa's Pepin Stadium. In preparation for district, we offer up some quick tales of how some teams have become ready for the postseason:more

North Suncoast: district preview

Let the true season begin. Every girls soccer game to this point was an opportunity to sharpen skills, shift lineups and tackle tests such as playing the state's top competition. Losing games — district games — only impacted seeding for the tournament. With tourney games kicking off this week, we look at some key elements that could make or break a season: more

Wolves' Gutsche commits to UF

Newsome junior soccer standout Karina Gutsche has committed to the University of Florida.

Gutsche said she had been in contact with the Gators since her sophomore year, and was very happy to be joining her former Wolves teammate, goalkeeper Kendall Graham, as a member of the Gators. Gutsche had a pair of impressive tournaments for club side RSL Florida during the holiday break, and is playing for the Florida Olympic Development Program side in the Region III championships this weekend in New Orleans before returning for next week's Class 5A-District 8 tournament with Newsome. more
 

Jensen Beach gets 14th shutout

Senior Lauren Gorodetsky scored two goals and assisted on another on Senior Night, and Jensen Beach’s girls soccer team closed the regular season with a 4-0 win against South Fork at Jensen Beach.
Taylor Townsend and Ashleigh Yelton added goals for Jensen Beach (14-2-3), which led 3-0 at halftime.
Aubrie Strohmenger had an assist and Cat Rizzuti made three saves for her 13th shutout.
Jensen Beach finished the regular season with 14 shutouts.
“We had all nine seniors on the field at the same time,” Jensen Beach coach Patty Morris said. “That was very nice. They’ve had a good four years here.”
Gorodetsky pushed her team-leading totals to 19 goals and 17 assists for 55 points. more

Naples puts unbeaten Barron to the test

NAPLES — The Barron Collier girls soccer team was tested by Naples, including the Cougars’ first deficit of the season. In the end, though, Friday’s result was the same as every other Barron match this season — a Cougars’ victory.

Naples led 1-0 after the first 20 minutes, but the Cougars rallied to score four straight goals and win 4-2. The victory kept Barron Collier (16-0-0) undefeated with one match left in the regular season.

Before Friday, the Cougars had given up just one goal all season. Naples (10-4-2) managed to score twice against Barron.

A first-half goal by the Golden Eagles’ Ciara Hebel was the first the Cougars had allowed in open play. The only other goal against Barron Collier came on a penalty kick Dec. 7 against Cape Coral.

“Districts are next week, so we’re experimenting,” Barron Collier coach Ray Morgan said. “We had to work on some defensive stuff. Our midfield needs some work.” more

Bulls, Wolves settle for 1-1 tie

VALRICO - The rivalry between Bloomingdale and Newsome lost nothing with the Bulls' move out of Class 5A-District 8. Both teams took pride in their East Hillsborough County meeting Friday, and though the outcome in the regular-season finale didn't settle anything, the 1-1 tie might have been the best thing for both teams with district tournaments starting Tuesday.

"They gave us a great game and when (Newsome coach) Kelly Townsend and I booked the game we knew this would be a perfect way to prepare for districts," Bulls coach Sue Peet said. "Everything else being even, everything is very emotional between these two teams. There is a lot of heart on both of these teams and they play hard for the bragging rights here in Valrico."

The Wolves struck first when Jackie Simpson scored after taking in a corner kick from Shea Rhoney. The Bulls tied it just after the first-half water break when a nice cross from Brittany Coca found Sierra Siegel with a clear look. more
 

Baker blanks Estero for LCAC crown

ESTERO — The top two teams in Class 4A-District 11 met for an appetizer Friday night.

Five days before the start of the district tournament, undefeated Ida Baker sent an emphatic message that it is the team to beat by cruising past Estero, 5-0, in the Lee County Athletic Conference championship.

"All other teams are going to look at the results from tonight and....we didn't want any other team to know that we're ever going to let down," said Ida Baker coach David Trepkowski, whose team won its first conference title. "We just stepped it up. The girls played a whole game, which was nice. We had no down time."

Ida Baker (23-0) peppered shots at Estero goalkeeper Gabby Scarnato in the first 11 minutes as the Bulldogs built a 2-0 lead on goals from freshman Alexsys Vargas, who banked a shot off the far post from a difficult angle, and Christine Giles, who converted a penalty kick with a low screamer. more
 

Rattlers top Forest for MCIAC crown

BELLEVIEW — Kasie Cheney made sure the Belleview girls soccer team finished unbeaten in conference play.

After seeing Forest climb to within a goal, Cheney, a Stetson commit, scored with 3:38 left to give the Rattlers the insurance they would need in a 4-2 victory on Thursday night at the Strike Zone.

“She’s done a great job and really matured as a player,” said Belleview coach Gary Lefebvre, whose team had 11 seniors players honored before the match. “In my opinion, she’s player of the year in the county. She does so many great things.”

The Rattlers (17-5-1), the MCIAC champions, finished 12-0 against conference opponents this season, which included a 2-0 mark against the Wildcats (10-5-1).

Belleview ended 12-0-1 against county foes this season. The only non-win was an early season tie with Trinity Catholic. more
 

Veterans Brown, Poviones lead young Heritage team

The defending state champion American Heritage girls' soccer team is once again having a stellar season, and the Patriots are gearing for the playoff run with a trip to Florida's west coast this weekend against Naples-Gulf Coast and Naples-Barron Collier.

The Patriots (19-1-1) are led by senior midfielders Jessica Brown and Melony Poviones.

Brown, who carries a 4.4 grade point average, is a solid 5-10 defensive midfielder, using her height to her advantage, and Poviones, holding a 3.0 GPA, is a very skilled player with tremendous offensive prowess.

Brown and Poviones also add senior leadership to a young team.

Sophomore forwards Jannel Johnson and Haleigh Stremanos were Miami Herald All-Broward first team as freshmen. Johnson is resting a nagging toe but will be ready for the playoffs. more

County gets a kick from soccer playoffs

It’s hard to pinpoint when it all began.

Soccer had always been good in spurts around here, boasting its share of electrifying players and contending teams.

But good, competitive soccer is no longer a trend in Manatee County. Trends come and go. They have the staying power of cheap chewing gum.

This is no trend. The playoffs are here — girls soccer tournaments get rolling next week — and once again, we marvel at how the locals are sitting.

This is their time now. Football season, which stole some of the soccer players’ limelight because of Manatee High’s run to the Class 5A state championship game, is over. Wrestling and basketball have a handful of weeks before their playoffs start. And baseball and softball players are just getting warmed up. more
 

Bloomingdale, Newsome set to resume rivalry

It’s a sign of the times that this year’s Bloomingdale-Newsome girls soccer game has its own Facebook event page. The two now non-district rivals meet a 6 p.m. on Friday night at Bloomingdale in the final game for both teams before postseason play begins next week.

For Bloomingdale senior Jordan Johnson the game offers a perfect way for her and her teammates to prepare for the playoffs.

“I think playing Newsome is definitely going to prepare go,” Johnson said. “They’re such a good team, and a good contender to win their district, so to play a good quality team is going to help us play faster, move the ball, and get us ready for Plant next week.” more
 

Maffei named to Region III squad for European trip

Tampa Prep’s Colby Maffei has been selected to the U.S. Youth Soccer Region III Olympic Development Program’s 1994 squad for its tour to Germany and Holland beginning on March 28 and ending April 5.

Maffei, who went from an alternate to playing in the ODP Thanksgiving Interregional tournament, leads Hillsborough County with 31 goals this season, and was named to the Tribune All-County First Team as a freshman last season.

“I’m proud of myself that I went from an alternate to being on the starting 18,” Maffei said. “It was my second year there, so I wasn’t as nervous, and I could tell from year-to-year that I definitely played so much better this year than last year.” more
 

Bree McMahon, Freedom High soccer player

Soccer player Bree McMahon was critically injured during a soccer club car wash when a friend's foot slipped off the brake of the car she was moving and hit the accelerator, pinning Bree against a brick wall and crushing her legs. Bree's left leg had to be amputated and her right leg had to be rebuilt. We follow Bree and her family as they deal with the tragedy and move down the road to recovery. more

'Understanding players' is the key to Morgans' tremendous success on pitch

NAPLES — Dwight and Ray Morgan laugh at the idea — that the brothers share a coaching secret that has made their soccer programs the most dominant in the area over the past few seasons.

While the coaches have their own tricks, the older Ray Morgan says, they’re not groundbreaking strategies. The Morgans have learned from other coaches and can relate to their players, which comes from being raised in Naples and appreciating Collier County’s strong soccer tradition.

This season is an extreme example of the success the Morgan brothers have enjoyed as high school coaches. Approaching the district tournaments, Dwight’s Golden Gate boys and Ray’s Barron Collier girls both are undefeated with a combined 30 victories.

“It’s just understanding players,” Ray Morgan said of the brothers’ success. “There are other coaches with playing backgrounds, but we’re from this area. We also do a lot of reading about successful coaches in other sports.” more

PANTHERS PREVAIL

Palmetto, a regular GMAC finalist, beat Miami Springs for the second time this season, and avenged last season's loss to the Golden Hawks in the GMAC final. Sophomore Alison Stevens scored with 30 minutes remaining off an assist by Brittany Battan for the match's lone goal.

The Panthers have maintained themselves at the top of District 16-6A in spite of having their top scorer Mathilde Robinson sidelined the past couple of weeks with an injury. First-year coach Melissa Wheeler and assistant Lyndsay Segarra each credited the defensive play of senior Haley Hammond and junior Alec Spivack for keeping the team on track. more

American reaches GMAC title match

Rosie Lopez remembers what it was like when American dominated girls' soccer in Miami-Dade County.

Since becoming the team's coach five years ago, it has been her mission to make the Patriots a contender again.

American took a step in the right direction Wednesday night when it defeated Coral Gables 1-0 in a GMAC semifinal at Ted Hendricks Stadium.

The Patriots (15-2-2) advanced to their first GMAC championship match since 2004, and will play Palmetto at 7 p.m. Friday at the same site.

The Panthers (14-1-2) advanced to the finals for the fifth time in the past six seasons with a 1-0 victory of their own against Miami Springs in the other semifinal. more

Drought over?

The four-year-long dark tunnel of postseason frustration and failure for Putnam County soccer may finally have light at the end of it.

With one victory on Saturday, either the Crescent City or Palatka girls could end the frustration. And with a victory on Tuesday night, the Interlachen girls will be heading to the state tournament for the first time since 2006.

Overall, Putnam County has gone zero for the last 22 postseason matchups whether it's boys or girls, dating back to the Interlachen girls' 2-1 District 5-3A semifinal win over Pierson Taylor on Jan. 17, 2006.

Jan. 16, 2010 may end the drought. more

South Fork avenges 2-month-old loss

Three players scored goals Wednesday as South Fork’s girls soccer team defeated Vero Beach 4-1 in a meeting of top-seeded district teams at South Fork.

Laurie Scott scored two goals. ZZ Dolan and Valerie Adamek added one apiece for South Fork (8-3-1), which lost to Vero Beach 5-2 on Nov. 16 in Vero Beach.

Dolan and Taylor Cox added assists for South Fork, the top seed in District 14-5A. Brianna Campbell and Shelby Conrad combined for six saves. more
 

West Boca caps perfect season

Lake Worth - West Boca scored two goals in a three-minute span early in the second half to rally past Park Vista 3-2 Wednesday and become the first Bulls team to finish the regular season undefeated.

"It's amazing," said West Boca senior co-captain Erin Heidel. "We're the first team in West Boca history to go undefeated." West Boca finished the regular season 17-0.

"It means a lot to me," said first-year coach Hassan Jaddaoui. "This was already a talented team. We asked them to play intelligent ball and use a faster counterattack."

West Boca took a 1-0 lead on Petra Shultz's header 3:35 into the game but Park Vista (11-5-4) battled back to take a 2-1 halftime lead. Following a hand ball in the penalty area, Natalie Mederos converted a penalty shot into the lower right corner with 26:35 left to tie the game. Ten minutes later, the Cobras took the lead on a 35-yard shot by Jenny Peterson that sailed untouched into the upper right corner. more

Colleen Slattery's goal gives Gibbons 1-0 win over Cypress Bay

Fort Lauderdale - Before the start of Wednesday's match against Cypress Bay, Cardinal Gibbons' girls' soccer coach Margo Flack reminded her players that the game would tell a lot about their team.

With district play set to begin next week, both squads were looking for some momentum to carry into the postseason by beating one of the top programs in the county.

The match lived up to the billing, as the host Chiefs prevailed with a hard-fought 1-0 victory in the non-district contest.

Backup senior midfielder Colleen Slattery scored off an assist from junior midfielder Sara Trexler in the 16th minute to give Gibbons (13-5) all the points it would need. more

Gulliver again downs the Canes

The Monday chill that swept over the Coral Shores field seemed to reach to the bones of the Lady Hurricanes. In a home game to decide the top seed in the upcoming District 16-3A Tournament, the formidable Lady Canes were a step slow in a 4-2 loss to archrival Gulliver Prep.

Coral Shores dipped to 10-2 for the regular season -- with both losses coming to Gulliver's unbeaten Lady Raiders (16-0-1).

"We started out with good intensity but kind of backed off," said Hurricane head coach Arthur Paterson. "We made some mistakes, and didn't play smart."

Coral Shores will enter the district tournament as the second seed, which means the Canes are likely to face a solid Ransom Everglades club in the semifinals. Still, the district title match could well pair the Lady Canes and the Raiders once again. more

Bishop Moore edges top-ranked Oviedo 2-1 in girls soccer

After suffering two close losses to Oviedo a season ago, host Bishop Moore finally came out on top, prevailing 2-1 over the Lions on Tuesday night in a non-district matchup between two of the top girls soccer teams in the area.

Midway through the second half, midfielder Nicole Fischer shook off a defender before beating Oviedo keeper Megan Heil one-on-one at the top of the box and netting the go-ahead goal that broke a 1-all tie.

The effort capped off an aggressive charge by Bishop Moore (14-3-3), the No.?|4 team in the Sentinel Super Six.

"They're the best team in the area, so you're going to get psyched up to play them," Bishop Moore coach Bobby Hurring said. more

 

Bartram Trail senior scores six goals in SJRCC title game

Bartram Trail senior forward Sam Scalf put on an all-star show Tuesday night to lead the Bears to their third consecutive St. Johns River Athletic Conference girls soccer title.

Scalf dominated Bartram Trail’s Senior Night shutout with six goals and one assist as the Bears defeated visiting Menendez 8-0 in a mercy-rule shortened match that ended at the half.

Bartram Trail coach Jen West said Scalf’s six-goal performance was atypical because West would normally pull her off the field before she could score that many.

But Scalf, who now has 49 goals on the season, just netted her goals so quickly against Menendez that West lost track.

“I really didn’t even realize it, because I wasn’t keeping stats,” West said. “I turned around and I was like, 'How many does Sam have?’ And my assistant was like, 'Six.’ more

Fraga leads hot Rams past Eagles

Two years ago, the Interlachen High School girls soccer team walked onto Oak Hall's field and was handed a season-opening 8-0 loss.

On Tuesday night, the Rams returned to the same Gainesville-based field they played on two years ago.

To say there was a different outcome would be putting it mildly.

As Jacqueline Fraga scored all three goals, the Rams defeated the Eagles, 3-0, improving to 7-0-1 in their last eight games and to 13-4-3.

"Believe it or not, we started to turn things around last week when we beat Palatka, Bradford and Bishop Snyder," Rams coach Mike Stevens said. "We were rusty coming back from break against Palatka, but I believe we didn't play badly. Then we played Bradford and its hard to say Bradford was a turning point, but I challenged our ladies to control the game and anticipate instead of kicking and running. They did what they were supposed to do (in a 10-2 win). Then to tie Bishop Snyder (1-1) after we lost to them 5-0, this was a transitional week." more

 

Cardinal Gibbons girls' soccer team makes good on payback plan against Douglas

With no district standings on the line, Douglas girls' soccer coach Stu Katz told his team that Tuesday's game against Cardinal Gibbons was about righting a wrong.

Mission accomplished.

Douglas blanked Gibbons 3-0 behind a two-goal game from Kelsey Allphin and a 10-save shutout from goalie Victoria Danchak, one year after falling to the Chiefs 3-1.

``Last year was their only win against us in both schools' history,'' Katz said. ``We didn't want to lose to Gibbons [again].''

In the early going, the game appeared to be heading for a clear Gibbons win. The Chiefs (12-5) controlled nearly the entire first half and twice barely missed goals from forward Sara Trexler. With about five minutes left in the half and the game still scoreless, Trexler had a breakaway after an Eagles' defensive mistake. more

Berkeley gets quality win on the run

TAMPA — Berkeley Prep's regular-season schedule is designed to prepare the Buccaneers for the playoffs, which loom in a week with district tournament openers.

But before then, Class 3A Berkeley tested itself against Class 5A power Venice on Monday night. It was the Bucs' third game in four days — all of them in the bone-chilling, hand-numbing variety thanks to the bitter cold.

On Monday, the Bucs met a speedy Venice team that kept them moving and survived with a 3-2 win.

"They're probably the fastest team we've played so far," Berkeley Prep coach Ken Roberts said. "It's good to get a win like this going into the (district) tournament. It gave us a few things to take a look at." more

Barons refuse to let up in 4-1 win

ST. PETERSBURG — St. Petersburg Catholic coach Gary Kolb had a spirited talk with his team Saturday after the Barons' 3-2 loss to Clearwater Central Catholic last week.

The result was a return to normalcy for the Barons on Monday.

The Barons boast 13 shutouts and narrowly missed their 14th in an impressive 4-1, nondistrict victory over Mitchell.

"We had a major discussion and practice on Saturday in the cold and everything and got some things ironed out," Kolb said. "The girls realized that they didn't perform well against CCC. Nothing against CCC, they played a great game, but we didn't play well." more
 

Bishop Moore Catholic High School Girls Soccer Program Supports Local Charities

Bishop Moore Catholic High School spent the Holiday Season giving. The girls team took in over a 100 toys and presented them to the TOYS for TOTS program at Channel 9 thru the local Marines. The 9 Senior players represented the team in helping to remind the community that Christmas is about giving. The team was represented by Brianna Bailey, Alexis Koula, Daniela Martinoli, Kate Calalang, Carlee Pizzolato, Katelyn Koula, Brooke Page, and Team Captains Alex Bentzon and Megan Young.

Monarch High School soccer player in hospital after stroke
16-year-old stricken during practice

Steve Lorenc had a hard time processing what was happening.

Lorenc, the veteran soccer coach at Monarch High, has seen his share of traditional sports injuries, but at Monday's practice, the symptoms affecting midfielder Juan David Becerra were anything but typical. Becerra was struggling to speak and move.

An ambulance was called, Becerra was taken to the hospital and four days later, a family and school are struggling to understand a puzzling diagnosis.

Becerra, a 16-year old senior, had had a stroke.

"He's always been healthy so we don't know the cause or why it happened," said Angelica Becerra, Juan David's older sister. "We're trying to have faith and be positive for him." more

Taravella hands Coral Glades first loss of season

Coral Springs - The Taravella girls' soccer team has traditionally struggled to shake off the rust each season after the holiday layoff.

So Trojans coach Albert Caroccio couldn't be more pleased with how his team has responded following its 18-day holiday break.

Powered by a pair of goals from sophomore forward Alissa Lawson, the Trojans edged Coral Glades 3-2 to hand the host Jaguars their first loss of the season in a District 10-6A contest played in frigid weather Tuesday night.

Despite missing several key players, the Trojans (10-4-0, 6-0), capitalized on the few scoring chances they got and senior goalkeeper Kourtney Breighner had several big stops in the second half on her way to a 10-save performance.

"We really wanted this win," said Caroccio. "We moved a lot of people out of position and they performed very well in their roles."

Junior forward Teryn Acquaviva put Coral Glades on the board with a rebound score early in the first half. more
 

Coleman's late goal lifts West Boca girls

Boca Raton - Tatianna Coleman has a knack for scoring important goals for West Boca Raton.

The unbeaten Bulls won their 14th consecutive game when the junior scored in the 79th minute to lift West Boca Raton over cross-town rival Boca Raton 2-1 in a non-district girls' soccer game Tuesday night.

Coleman took a pass from Kelsey Bloom, out-muscled a defender and ripped a low line drive past Boca Raton goalie Caitlin Woody from about 15 yards.

"Tatianna is a great player," said Boca Raton coach Rachael Grimes. "She put it away."

Coleman also scored the game-winning goal in the Palm Beach Classic divisional championship game on Dec. 23.

Sophomore forward Merissa Vault gave the Bobcats a 1-0 lead in the final minute of the first half. Both teams missed opportunities early in the second half before West Boca's Erin Heidel tied the game at 1-1 with 17:17 remaining, heading a long cross from Coleman near the back post. more
 

American Heritage-Plantation tops Boca

Wellington - Defending Class 3A state champion American Heritage used a quick-strike offense to open up the game and the second half en route to a 3-2 victory against Boca Raton in a first-round game of the Adidas Palm Beach Classic girls soccer tournament Monday at Village Park.

Melony Poviones scored in the second minute from about 25 yards to give the Patriots a 1-0 advantage. Boca's Jamie Schwartz tied it in the 12th minute as the teams went back-and-forth in a fast-paced, physical game.

American Heritage took a 2-1 lead three minutes into the second half when Haleigh Stremanos knocked in a deflection off a leaping Boca Raton goalie Caitlin Woody. more

Steinbrenner wins Premiere Bracket of Sarasota Holiday Tournament

SARASOTA - Steinbrenner continued its successful soccer campaign defeating Dade Christian 3-1 in the Premiere bracket final of the two-day Sarasota Holiday Tournament.

The Warriors got two late goals from Alexis Bredeau and Cici Gonzalez to cap Steinbrenner’s (11-0-2) four win weekend.

Both teams felt each other out for most of the first half as the Crusaders posed a physical challenge for the first year Warriors program. In the second half the Warriors struck first on a solid play by freshman Marley Opila, who stayed with a ball in the box and took control between a downed keeper and the net and sent in an unimpeded shot. more

Plant takes tourney title

SARASOTA - Plant found itself in an all-too-familiar situation in the final of the Sarasota Holiday Tournament. As in the season-opening Wharton Invitational final, the Panthers were tied after overtime and headed to penalty kicks.

However, unlike against Newsome, the Panthers came out on the winning side as keeper Lauryn Bodden made two big stops and Plant (16-1-1) defeated St. Petersburg Catholic (12-3-2) to win the Elite bracket, 1-0 (4-3 on penalty kicks).

"We just didn't want to go to the finals only to lose," Bodden said. "After losing in PKs to Newsome - that was never going to happen again." more
 

Vero Beach Clinches Top Seed

Vero Beach’s girls soccer team won its last district championship in 1986, but the Fighting Indians are on track to end their 23-year title drought this season.

“We are a young team that is realizing how hard work and being committed to each other for 80-minutes can bring results." said head coach Jose Gibert. "Earning the number one seed in District 6-6A in the last game before the Christmas break was a great gift that my players gave to each other”. more

Bishop Moore bests Hagerty at Akers Classic soccer tournament

WINTER SPRINGS -- - If there is one thing that doesn't mix with soccer, it is rain. But despite the soggy conditions, Bishop Moore had the winning formula Friday night.

Using the right combination of will and intensity, the Hornets (9-2-3), who are ranked No. 4 in the Sentinel Super 6, came away with a 3-0 victory over No. 6 Hagerty (6-3-3) in the first day of the Michelle Akers Classic at Winter Springs – one of three sites for the two-day showcase.

"You call this a 'Mudder's Game' where as a lot of the skill and a lot of the things that you work on in practice go out the window," Bishop Moore Coach Bobby Hurring said. "It really becomes who has the greatest will because it's a fight and it really levels the playing field. I thought that our girls went out and did a great job of matching their [Hagerty's] intensity." more
 

Lopez's 4 goals push Carroll to .500

For the first time this season, the John Carroll girls soccer team is at .500

Kim Lopez scored all four goals Thursday as the Golden Rams defeated Jupiter Christian 4-3 in a District 12-2A game at Jupiter.

Gina Soricelli added two assists. Grace Santangelo and Sara Charles had one apiece for John Carroll (6-6-1, 5-2 district).

Kate Neal made 16 saves in goal.

John Carroll plays host to Sebastian River at 6 p.m. Jan. 5 more

Sisters pack 1-2 punch as PHU wins tournament

PALM HARBOR — Friday's Hurricane Watch final between Palm Harbor University and Countryside turned into a family reunion of sorts for sisters Zoe and Paige Lombard.

The back of the Cougars' net served as the host.

Zoe registered a hat trick and Paige added another score and an assist to account for all four PHU goals in the Hurricanes' 4-1 win over the Cougars.

"It was really neat," Zoe said. "I didn't play last year because I tore my ACL, so playing with her is pretty awesome."

Zoe, a senior, is a standout playmaker on a team filled with them. Paige, a sophomore, started as a freshman at forward last season as the Hurricanes won their fourth state championship. more

Plant Continues Winning Ways in Sarasota Holiday Soccer Tournament

SARASOTA – Less than 24 hours after defeating Newsome 2-1, Plant continued its strong run taking out two more of the Hillsborough County’s top soccer programs in matches Friday at the Sarasota Holiday girls soccer tournament. The Panthers looked dominant in heavy rains against Tampa Prep Friday afternoon beating the terrapins 5-0 behind a hat trick from Connor Zwetsch.

Plant continued the winning against a tough Berkeley Prep team with a 1-0 win in an evening match on a late goal by senior Stacy Heitlinger.

As in the Newsome match, the Panthers defense was stifling in Friday’s two matches led by seniors Amy Werdine and Megan Bryant. more

Cougars stay unbeaten in 3A-District 11

Hannah Howard scored two goals, and Cardinal Mooney’s girls soccer team beat Southeast 6-0 on Thursday.

Megan McCurdy, Tara Kerr, Alexa Stein and Anne Redmond also scored for the Cougars (8-4-1, 6-0 3A-11).

Abby Goecker and Shereen Baghi had assists. more

Chalk up another No. 1 seed

Chalk up another No. 1 seed in the District 14-4A tournament for Jensen Beach's girls soccer team.

Taylor Townsend scored two goals Wednesday as the Falcons defeated Fort Pierce Westwood 11-0 at Jensen Beach.

Lauren Gorodetsky and Caitlyn Stewart had one goal and two assists apiece for Jensen Beach (11-1-2, 6-0-1 district).

Jaime Morris, Mallory Gillespie, Mallory Brock, Amanda Fote, Kristan Palermo, Kesley Coty and Erica Ricchiuti added goals. more

Small School Big Results
St. John's Country Day from Orange Park, FL is a small 2A school with a student population of only 650 from pre k thru 12.It is also the home of some of the best girl soccer players not only in the state but in the nation. Since 2004 St. John's, led by head Coach Mike Pickett, has won the Florida 2A State Championship 3 times and was runner up once. Several of the girls who play for St. John's also play for the Ponte Vedra Storm which came in second in the U-16 US Youth Soccer Association Nation Championships this past summer where Coach Picket is also the assistant coach. more

Campbell lifts FPC girls soccer

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- With eight seniors gone from last year's regional finalists, the Flagler Palm Coast girls soccer team knows it needs different players to step up if the program is to continue its success.

Wednesday night, it was Miranda Campbell's turn.

The sophomore midfielder/forward scored both goals, one in each half, as FPC staked a claim to the top seed in the district tournament next month with a 2-0 win over Spruce Creek at New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex.

With the team's previous meeting ending in a 2-2 tie, Wednesday was a strong statement by the Bulldogs. more
 

Britt’s Hard work puts her over the Century Mark

Taylor’s Ciarra Britt recently joined an exclusive club. She is just the 11^th area girls soccer player to reach 100 goals in her career. Britt who also owns her school record for goals scored, said “It definitely demonstrated all the hard work I’ve put into these past 3 seasons. It was a great feeling when the girls all hugged me and congratulated me. Making the 100th goal was a great milestone but now I'm looking to tuck away some more. I’m proud to have set the schools record.” more

Blue Devils Dominate Lake Gibson

photos from the game

After two quick scores by the Blue Devil's Haley Carifi and Brittany Lajoie it looked as if the rout was on. Even though Winter Haven dominated the possession and Lake Gibson rarely got the ball into Winter Haven's territory Lake Gibson did not give up. On a break away that seemed to be stopped by the Blue Devil's, Gibson Senior Maddison Dixon intercepted a hurried pass from a Winter Haven Defender and slipped the ball past the Blue Devil keeper to cut the lead to 2 to 1 and make a game of it at 21 minutes remaining in the first half. more

Meroni, Wyatt lead the Lady soccer Eagles over Mater

Two goals from Melanie Meroni and a series of saves by keeper Kaylyn Wyatt made the difference in a 3-2 win for Island Christian School's girls soccer team Monday.
Meroni, a Lady Eagle veteran, scored once from the field and again off a penalty kick as the Eagles (3-4) edged Mater Lakes Academy.
The game was nothing like a Nov. 19 shutout win over Mater Lakes, said ICS head coach Sheryl Yost.
"Mater Lakes gave us a challenge" Monday, Yost said. "This was a much different team than the one we played the first time." more

Amanda Pivacco selected as Scholar All-American

Amanda Pivacco from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Davie was the only player from Florida to be selected as a NSCAA/adidas Scholar All-America.

The NSCAA/adidas Scholar All-America selections will be recognized at the annual All-America Luncheon, held in Philadelphia, Pa., on Jan. 16 as part of the 2010 NSCAA Convention. full list

Three Named as All Americans

Melissa Bergstein, defender from American Heritage-Delray, Bryane Heaberlin, goal keeper from Berkeley Prep in Tampa, and Carson Pickett Midfielder from St. John's Country Day in Orange Park were selected as 2009 NSCAA All-Americans.

Bryane is one of two Freshmen and Carson is one of six Sophomores to make the list.

The All-America selections will be recognized at the annual All-America Luncheon, held in Philadelphia, Pa., on Jan. 16, as part of the 2010 NSCAA Convention. full list

St. John's and Boca Unanimous Selection in Latest Coaches Poll

In the latest FloridaGirlsSoccer.com Girl's High School Coaches Poll St. John's Country Day 2A and Boca Raton 6A were unanimous selections. American Heritage-Plantation 3A, Bartram Trail 4A, and George Jenkins 5A were top picks in their classifications.

St. John's has been in the top spot for all three of this year's coaches polls. St. John's won the 2008-09 Florida High School State Championship last year with a penalty kick win over American Heritage-Delray. full poll results

Road Runner' takes unique path to stardom

Her teammates have nicknamed her Correcaminos -- The Road Runner.

And just like the cartoon character, American High girls' soccer standout Jenny Hernandez has utilized her speed and energy to her advantage.

``I never really wanted to play soccer,'' she said. ``But I always knew I was fast. I was always the kid in the back of the field running in circles or trying to catch the bugs.''

The junior forward is now catching the attention of fans and college coaches, and forging a record-breaking career with the Patriots.

``Soccer is something I have to do,'' said Hernandez, who has scored 14 goals this season to lead American to a 7-2-1 record. ``I'm not just playing for me. I'm playing for my family and my future.'' more
 

Martin stealing the show for Barron Collier

NAPLES — Jen Martin has quickly made a name for herself on the Barron Collier girls soccer team.

The two previous seasons have been the Casey Thames and Jamie Lockie show, but with Thames graduated, Barron Collier has gotten a boost from Martin, who transferred to the school following two seasons with Gulf Coast.

Barron and Gulf Coast have battled in recent seasons for area supremacy, but the junior forward has found a way to flourish while playing for either side. Martin has more than done her part in getting Barron off to an undefeated 8-0 start heading into this week.

"She is a well-rounded player that is dedicated to the sport and does what takes to get better," BC coach Ray Morgan said. "Alll young players should look up to her and her passion and dedication to the game." more
 

Keepers sparkle as Douglas, Boca draw

Boca Raton girls' soccer coach Rachael Grimes was hoping for a better result Monday than the last time her team visited Douglas.

While the Bobcats still failed to score a goal, Grimes was pleased by her team's 0-0 draw with last year's state runner-up. Douglas beat Boca Raton 2-0 in last year's Class 6A regional final.

"I am happy with the way we played at this venue, in this atmosphere, and we wanted to perform much better than we did last year," said Grimes, whose team is 11-0-1. "I think we did. We didn't finish some opportunities, but they did a great job in defending."

Douglas (6-1-2) nearly got on the board in the first minute when Tina Shakes got loose on a breakaway. Boca Raton goalkeeper Caitlin Woody kicked the ball away. It was Woody and the Bobcats' ninth consecutive shutout. more
 

Boca blanks Pope, 3-0

Boca Raton - Allie Holly, Kelly Costopoulos and Alex Major each scored goals as visiting Boca Raton blanked Pope John Paul II 3-0 Tuesday in a clash of unbeaten girls' soccer teams.

Holly received a cross from Major in the eighth minute and just got enough of the ball to kick it past a charging Eagles goalkeeper Alexa Pack for a 1-0 lead. Costopoulos and Major scored within a three-minute span in the 48th and 51st minutes to put the game away.

After giving up single goals in its first three games, the Bobcats (8-0) have won five consecutive games by shutout and outscored the opposition 25-0 during that span.

"Our focus is to play better each week," said Boca Raton coach Rachael Grimes, who returned everyone from last year's team, which fell in the Class 6A regional final. Boca Raton has victories over two final four teams this season.

"It doesn't get any easier and we set our schedule up that way. They have responded well."

It was only the second game Pope John Paul II (7-1) has gone past halftime this season as it has rolled through the competition with two 10-0 victories and a 14-0 win. Until a 4-2 victory over Olympic Heights last Wednesday, the Eagles had opened the season with six consecutive shutouts and outscored their opposition 55-0. more

Durant soccer team starts to gel

PLANT CITY - The Durant High girls soccer team hasn't seen a lot of scoring yet from its young players, but that doesn't concern head coach Dick Sheffield. The Cougars only start two seniors and are loaded with sophomores - something Sheffield said is good for his team's future, but what about right now?

"We are sophomore heavy," Sheffield said. "Right now we don't have an identity, but that will come the more we play together."

After winning the 6A-District 8 title last season, Durant (1-2-1) has started this season slowly on the offensive end. However, Sheffield points to a "quiet strength" within his team. more
 

Hurst's goal allows Buccaneers to edge out Terrapins

TAMPA – As dominant as Berkeley Prep was on Tuesday night against a shorthanded Tampa Prep squad, it took a moment of good fortune to give the Buccaneers a 1-0 victory.

With the Buccaneers sustaining pressure in the Terrapins’ end, the ball came to Rebecca Hurst in the 28th minute just outside the penalty area, Hurst opened up onto her right foot, and fired a shot that took a deflection of a challenging Terrapin defender, redirecting the shot just underneath the crossbar on the right side of the goal leaving Terrapins goalkeeper Jordan Hatton unable to more

Alana Christian Nets six

Alana Christian had a huge night for visiting Interlachen, putting home six goals in leading the Rams to an 8-1 triumph over Crescent City in District 4-3A.

The outburst doubled Christian's goal output of the season to 12. Taryn Davis added her second and third goals of the season as the Rams improved to 5-2-1 overall and 2-1 in the district.

Jacqueline Fraga delivered three assists, while Liz Gray and Jasmine Beamon had an assist each for the Rams. Terri Tompson stopped two shots, giving up only Gilda Espina's goal with seven minutes left.

Phylicia Ashline had nine saves for the Raiders (1-4, 1-2).

Using her head

Senior midfielder Cristina Passafaro opened the scoring on a set piece. On a corner kick entry by junior Alyson Brady, Passafaro flicked a header past Wildcat goalkeeper Meghan Williams with four minutes remaining in the first half, 1-0 Eagles.
"The header was big," described the 17-year-old Passafaro. "It gets your confidence up. It was nice to get one."
Passafaro's second goal in two games wasn't threatened until nine minutes passed in the second half.
That's when Springstead junior goalkeeper Monica Vega made a spectacular sliding deflection of a breakaway attempt by the Wildcats' Ashanti Stewart from nine yards out.
The stop, one of only two saves by Vega, enabled the hosts to maintain momentum.
"Monica's (Vega) save was huge," said Passafaro. "If that goal went in it would have changed the momentum of the match. more

Jensen Beach Downs Martin County

Taylor Townsend had two goals and one assist Tuesday as Jensen Beach’s girls soccer team defeated Martin County 5-1 in a non-district game at Jensen Beach.

Caitlyn Stewart added one goal and one assist, and Cat Hasell and Kim McInnis had goals for Jensen Beach (5-1), which led 2-1 at halftime before scoring three goals in the second half.

Cat Rizzuti made two saves in goal.

Kelsey Smith scored an unassisted goal for Martin County.

Jensen Beach plays Okeechobee at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

 

Chiefs turn up intensity

After waiting all season for her team to show some intensity, Cardinal Gibbons girls' soccer coach Margo Flack knew a match against District 15-4A rival Archbishop McCarthy would be the perfect remedy to get her team going.

"We knew this was going to make or break us, and tonight was the first game everyone stepped up," Flack said. "There's just something about Archbishop-Gibbons games; they're nothing but intensity."

The Chiefs responded by posting a 2-1 victory over the Mavericks on Tuesday.

First-half goals by April Ortenzo and Sara Trexler gave Cardinal Gibbons (4-2, 1-0) a 2-0 lead.

After receiving a pass from Ally Buerosse, Ortenzo beat a defender and sent the ball into the net. Trexler kicked the ball from the corner flag and had it deflect off an opponent before going in. more

St. Edward's prevails on Deal's goal

Cory Deal scored the game’s only goal on an assist by Alli Walsh as the St. Edward’s girls soccer team defeated Benjamin 1-0 Monday at Palm Beach Gardens.

Liz Sickol had two saves in goal for her third consecutive shutout for St. Edward’s (5-2).

St. Edward’s plays host to Jupiter Christian at 6 p.m. Dec. 1. more

BCS girls soccer rallies to victory

Kim Mannausa scored four goals as the Bradenton Christian girls soccer team rallied on the road from a 2-0 deficit at halftime to beat Tampa Cambridge 6-2 on Thursday.

Jordan Punto had a goal and four assists, Kelsey Moshier had a goal and an assist, and Kristy Perella had an assist.

BCS (3-0, 2-0 district) had great contributions from its seventh graders Virginia Nash and Samantha Miller. more

Lady Hurricanes improve to 5-0, still allow only one goal

At 5-0, the Coral Shores girls soccer Hurricanes make no bones about it -- they're looking ahead.

Contrary to the sports maxim of "playing one game at a time," the unbeaten Lady Canes have their eyes trained three weeks ahead, to a Dec. 9 clash with forever nemesis Gulliver Prep.

Coral Shores steamrolled District 16-3A opponent Carrollton, 8-0, Friday in a home game ended at halftime by the mercy rule.

Still, head coach Arthur Paterson vocally challenged his squad to tighten up. Gulliver is coming, he said. more

Strong start for Wekiva girls soccer

When Wekiva first took the field in 2007, it took the Mustangs an entire season to get to four wins.

It took only four games for Wekiva to match that number this year.

With a 3-0 victory against South Lake Monday night, the Mustangs improved to 6-0 and they are one of the best stories early in the girls soccer season. more

East River playing well, plus other news and notes

East River's inaugural season is off to a strong start � The Falcons won their first two matches in school history, including a 5-1 defeat of Dr. Phillips more
 

Eustis off to strong start despite injuries

The first week of the girls soccer season proved to be both good and bad for Eustis.

The Panthers won all three of their games, including a 4-0 victory against Bishop Moore, by a combined margin of 20-0.

But in the final two minutes against Bishop Moore, sophomore Lauren Smith injured her ankle and is currently in a walking boot. She is planning on getting her ankle re-evaluated on Thursday and coach Wayne Lockett says he's optimistic Smith will return in time for the Panthers showdown against Oviedo November 23rd.

Eustis is already playing without standout Kira Lee Storms, though Lockett says she could be back on the field later this month.

Early season girls soccer news and notes

Winter Springs might be the biggest surprise of the early season - the Bears notched a pair of big wins last week, defeating Lake Mary 2-0 and Winter Park 7-4. Vanessa Aponte continued her phenomenal start, scoring seven goals in three games last week. Winter Springs is now 4-0-2...more

Catholic girls soccer improves to 4-1

The Catholic Crusaders improved to 4-1 for the season after defeating Escambia, 8-0.The Crusaders will play again on Friday at Panama City Bay in a District 1-3A game. more

Seminole girls work hard for tie with East Lake

EAST LAKE — The Seminole girls soccer team fired darts from all angles Wednesday at East Lake goalkeeper Alicia Aldridge to outshoot the Eagles 15-5.
The Warhawks scored first when Jordyn Turner crossed to a wide-open Sierra Lelii in the box, and Lelii one-timed her shot into the back of the net in the eighth minute.
And still, it took an impossible 25-yard laser into the upper-left corner of the goal from Lelii for Seminole to earn a 2-2 tie with the Eagles in the first matchup of the season between new district rivals. more

Land O' Lakes fall to Citrus

LAND O' LAKES - It's been a rough go for the Land O' Lakes girls soccer team.

Off to a 1-2-4 start, which includes a 1-0 loss to new Class 4A-District 8 rival Citrus on Wednesday evening, the Gators have struggled to find consistency finishing scoring opportunities. more

Buccaneers get boost from weekend road-trip

The first time Berkeley Prep’s soccer teams took a weekend away, all of the current players were not yet born. But in its 26th year, according to girl’s coach Ken Roberts, the Buccaneers girls had a good weekend in Boca Raton, earning a 1-1 draw against Plantation American Heritage and a 4-0 win against Boca Raton St. Andrew’s.

Both Berkeley squads took the trip south, defeating St. Andrew’s 5-1 and falling to American Heritage 2-0, but Roberts believes the results are not the most important thing on the trip, but more the increased chemistry and camaraderie that comes from the weekend the teams spend together. more

Plant soccer overwhelms Wharton 6-0

TAMPA — Plant coach Stephen McGill's biggest problem heading into the Panthers' district game against Wharton was a good one to have. He worried he wouldn't have enough minutes to go around.

But McGill was able to rotate his players Tuesday, in the process taking a 6-0 win over Wharton to improve to 6-1. more

See's goal turns tide in Gaither win

TAMPA — In a sport where one unlucky deflection can doom a team, Hillsborough's misery was compounded Tuesday. On a cool night at Chelo Huerta Stadium, the Terriers (0-3) were victimized by a wicked bounce and bruise.

Facing a Hillsborough unit playing without star forward Kofi Forkuoh (right thigh bruise), Gaither (3-0) neutralized Hillsborough's offense and got two goals from junior Jordan See for a 4-1 triumph in a Class 6A, District 7 match. more

BCS girls soccer opens with a win

Bradenton Christian’s girls soccer team opened its district schedule with a bang Tuesday.

Kim Mannausa scored three goals and Lara Morley added a pair of assists as the Panthers defeated visiting St. Petersburg Northside Christian 4-0.

Jordan Ponto had a goal and an assist and Hannah Price, a midfielder making her debut in goal, had four saves to preserve the shutout for BCS (2-0, 1-0 Class 2A-District 10). more

Menendez soccer tops Nease

Lauren Hopfensperger scored two goals and led the Menendez girls soccer team to a 2-1 win over Nease.

Wendy Bruner and Chelsea Daniels had assists for the Falcons (4-2-1). It marks the second consecutive game that Menendez has beaten the Panthers. The Falcons also beat Nease in the district quarterfinals last season. more

Canes girls find the edge

In the early match between the Eagles and Hurricanes girls teams, PHU won 2-0 behind a pair of goals from senior Catherine Brinkman.

Brinkman put the Hurricanes (2-0) ahead 1-0 10 minutes in after sending a laser into the top right corner of goal from 25 yards out.

Brinkman iced the game with two minutes remaining after finding herself unmarked in front of the net and calmly slotting Kelly Phipps' pass past East Lake goalkeeper Alicia Aldridge.

Though they were outplayed for a majority of the first half and parts of the second, the Eagles (2-2) had a handful of opportunities to come out with a draw. East Lake scored late in the first half but the goal was disallowed because the ball crossed the end line prior to going in. more

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2010 All State Selections

The 2010 All State selections will be expanded this year to include All Region selections. Just as we did last year all of the girls selected to the All State Teams will receive a Certificate recognizing them for their accomplishment. We will again have Players of the Year for each classification. Those players will receive a plaque recognizing them for their accomplishment. If you are on one of last year’s All State Teams and did not receive your certificate please contact us allstate@floridagirlssoccer.com.

This year’s team will be chosen by the coaches. First the coaches will vote for the Region Teams and then the coaches will vote players on to the All State Teams from the players that are selected to the Region teams. Since all of the coaches can’t see all of the players on every team we have added a forum for the parents, coaches, and players to promote their players. This forum is for you to talk positively about each player and why they should be on one of our all state teams. The forum is not for you to discuss why a player should not be on the team! Any negative posts will be deleted. The players will be selected on this year’s high school performance only!

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Our website has dedicated itself to girls soccer for almost 2 years. It takes up a lot of time and resources to provide this service without asking for anything in return. The biggest expense and most time consuming part of the operating the site are the All-State Teams. The certificates, plaques, and shipping costs run into several hundred dollars and this year, with the addition of the Regional Teams, that expense could more than double.

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