Class 3A
Region 2
No. 8 King (8-11-1) at No. 1 Lake Highland Prep (8-4-2), 7
Third-ranked Lake Highland Prep hosts King in a quarterfinal matchup that features two teams finding their stride at the right time. The Highlanders, led by Daniel Vazquez (7 goals) and Brooks Jaffe (10 assists), have been particularly strong at home. The visiting Lions counter with the dynamic Mahmoud Jniat (11 goals) and Jefferson Treminio. Despite its sub-.500 record, King has shown it can compete with anyone, averaging 2.2 goals per game against a challenging schedule.
No. 7 Tampa Catholic (5-11-2) at No. 2 McKeel Academy (14-1-3), 7
The Wildcats, powered by Alejandro Araque (14 goals, 10 assists) and goalkeeper Treyson Ayscue’s stingy defense, have dominated opponents all season while going unbeaten at home. Despite their struggling record, the Crusaders bring legitimate upset potential behind Malike Campbell’s 16 goals and Jordan Conrad’s assists. These teams met earlier this season with McKeel taking a tight victory in November.
No. 6 Dunedin (7-7-2) at No. 3 Calvary Christian (15-4), 7
Sixth-ranked Calvary Christian enters as the clear favorite in this rematch, having dominated Dunedin in December. The Warriors’ high-powered offense is led by Drew Mullins and Noah Fuhrmann, while goalkeeper Evan Raulerson has been outstanding. The Falcons hope to pull the upset behind Bryan Bautista and Leonel Pioquinto, but they’ll need to solve a Warriors defense that has posted shutouts this season.
Class 2A
Region 3
No. 8 Community School of Naples (10-7-3) at No. 1 Tampa Prep (12-3-1), 7
Fifth-ranked Tampa Prep looks to continue its impressive season behind the dynamic duo of Luka Zujovic and Sayani Alvarado. The Terrapins have been nearly unbeatable at home while allowing just goals in matches this season. The Seahawks counter with Kyle Jones and Samuel Pino leading their attack. Despite a challenging schedule, Community School of Naples has shown they can compete with top teams.
No. 5 Fort Meade (12-5-3) at No. 4 Berkeley Prep (11-7-3), 7
Fort Meade brings a potent offense into this playoff matchup, led by Eric Miranda’s outstanding season. The Miners have been particularly strong at home and have outscored opponents this season. The Buccaneers counter with Johnathan Poisson and Blake Miller, while goalkeeper James Bono has been exceptional. Berkeley Prep’s defense has been their calling card, allowing just goals in matches. The winner advances to the regional semifinals.
No. 7 Frostproof (11-9-1) at No. 2 Shorecrest Prep (12-0-1), 7
Sixth-ranked Shorecrest Prep puts its undefeated season on the line as they host Frostproof in a playoff matchup. The Chargers have been dominant behind Noah Jaffee and Alistair Ford, while goalkeeper Sam Reeder has been nearly impenetrable. The visiting Bulldogs bring a high-scoring offense that’s tallied goals this season.
No. 6 St. Petersburg Catholic (11-7-1) at No. 3 Lakeland Christian (17-5), 7:30
Ninth-ranked Lakeland Christian enters this playoff matchup riding a strong season behind Brayden Gathwright’s impressive campaign. The Vikings have been dominant at home and boast goalkeeper Gray Ottman’s stellar GAA. The Barons counter with their own scoring threats in Jacob Arias and Ramzi Hemadeh.
Class 1A
Region 1
No. 7 Redeemer Christian (13-7-1) at No. 2 Academy at the Lakes (10-3-2), 7
The Wildcats have been formidable at home behind Cooper Alvero’s goals and Luke Magnusson’s assists, while allowing just goals in matches this season. The visiting Lions bring their own offensive firepower, led by Noah Nelson’s goals and assists. Redeemer Christian has shown they can score in bunches, averaging goals per game. Both teams split their matches against common opponents, suggesting this could be a tightly contested battle.
Region 2
No. 6 Jupiter Christian (10-8-3) at No. 3 Cambridge Christian (15-5-2), 5
Cambridge Christian puts its perfect home record on the line against Jupiter Christian. The Lancers have been powered by Cooper Leibundguth’s remarkable season, leading an offense that averages nearly goals per game. The visiting Eagles will lean on the dynamic duo of Lucas Maxim and Josh Gould to pull the upset.
Region 3
No. 5 Saint Stephen’s Episcopal (9-6-1) at No. 4 Admiral Farragut (13-5), 7
Eighth-ranked Admiral Farragut brings its high-scoring offense into this playoff clash, led by Guilherme Rachas De Andrade and Tiago Bublitz Machado. The BlueJackets have been particularly strong at home and boast impressive goalkeeper Benjamin Mohrman’s GAA. The Falcons counter with their own offensive threat in Gavin Winterhalter and a defense that’s allowed just goals in matches. The winner advances to the regional semifinals.
No. 6 Keswick Christian (9-6-3) at No. 3 Donahue Catholic (15-3), 4
The Shamrocks, ranked 10th in Class 1A, have been nearly unstoppable at home this season behind junior striker Luke Misek’s goals and assists. The visiting Crusaders counter with senior captain Gavin Brady and a defense that’s kept them competitive in tight matches. This first-ever playoff meeting between the programs features two strong goalkeepers in Donahue’s Connor Cameron and Keswick’s Harrison Fretz.
Conclusion
The regional quarterfinal action promises an exciting start to the state soccer playoffs in the Tampa Bay area. With top teams vying for supremacy and potential upsets looming, fans can expect thrilling matchups across various classifications.
FAQs
Q: Where can I find the latest scores and updates for the state soccer playoffs?
A: For the most up-to-date scores and news, visit sports news websites or follow the official state soccer playoffs website.
Q: Which teams are the favorites to advance to the regional semifinals?
A: Teams like Lake Highland Prep, McKeel Academy, Berkeley Prep, and Shorecrest Prep are among the favorites based on their strong performances so far this season.