Class 7A
Region 3
No. 8 Alonso (8-6-2) at No. 1 Palm Harbor University (16-1), 7
Palm Harbor University’s near-perfect record (16-1) and overwhelming goal differential (79-4) headline this Class 7A matchup. The Hurricanes have been nearly untouchable at home (6-1), conceding just four goals all season in a display of defensive dominance.
Alonso brings a resilient road record (5-3) and opportunistic attack that’s netted 39 goals. The Ravens must solve Palm Harbor’s fortress-like defense to have any chance at the upset, facing a side that’s outscored opponents by an average of more than four goals per match.
No. 4 Plant (12-4-2) at No. 5 George Jenkins (15-4), 7
George Jenkins’ formidable home record (11-2) and perfect district tournament record face a stern test from a Plant squad that hasn’t lost on the road this season (5-0-2). The Eagles have found their offensive rhythm behind Alexavier Cherilus (8 goals) and Emory James (10 assists).
Plant’s defense, anchored by keeper Derrick McCulley’s 0.200 GAA, has been nearly impenetrable. The Panthers’ balanced attack features Daniel Nguyen’s playmaking (11 assists) and Callan Nelson’s finishing (8 goals), setting up what promises to be a tactical battle between two of 7A’s most complete teams.
No. 7 Riverview Sarasota (7-8-2) at No. 2 Newsome (13-2), 7
Newsome brings its formidable defense (8 goals allowed in 15 matches) into this Class 7A playoff matchup, with goalkeeper Christopher Farren anchoring the back line. The Wolves’ attack flows through striker Luca Savino (18 goals) and playmaker Carter Chaney (10 assists).
Despite a sub-.500 record, the Rams have proven resilient. Newsome’s perfect home record (7-0) and strong offensive output (56 goals) give them an edge as they look to advance.
No. 6 Venice (13-5-1) at No. 3 Riverview (12-2-2), 7
Riverview’s unblemished home record (6-0-1) and stingy defense (24 goals allowed) meet Venice’s road warriors (8-4 away) in this Class 7A showdown. The Sharks’ attack flows through Ian Metcalf’s versatility (11 goals, 6 assists), while goalkeeper Dominec Cruz anchors their formidable defensive unit.
Venice counters with Joel Molina (9 goals) leading a balanced offense that’s netted 48 times this season. The Indians’ district success (4-1) proves their ability to perform in high-stakes matches, setting up an intriguing battle between two of Florida’s most consistent programs.
Class 6A
Region 2
No. 8 Bartow (14-5-4) at No. 1 Wiregrass Ranch (21-2-1), 7
Wiregrass Ranch’s stellar record has been powered by JP Tapias’ 21 goals and an offense that’s netted 88 times in 24 matches. The Bulls’ near-perfect home mark (14-1) and goalkeeper Vinny Kenney’s 0.637 GAA make them formidable favorites in this Class 6A clash.
Bartow counters with their own scoring machine in Sebastian Brock (21 goals, 12 assists), who’s been involved in over half the Yellow Jackets’ 56 goals this season. Their road success (9-1-1) suggests they won’t be intimidated by the hostile environment, setting up an intriguing battle between two of Florida’s most potent attacks.
No. 6 Steinbrenner (12-7-1) at No. 3 Sunlake (9-2-3), 7
These district rivals meet again after Sunlake’s 3-2 victory in November. The Seahawks’ stingy defense (14 goals allowed) and keeper Evan Hinz’s steady presence have been their foundation, while Jairo Todd (5 goals) leads a balanced attack.
Steinbrenner counters with Gavin Spuler’s 14 goals and Stephen Breede’s playmaking (7 assists). The Warriors’ road record (5-4-1) suggests vulnerability, but their 54-goal output proves they can unlock any defense. This Class 6A rematch promises more fireworks between two teams that know each other well.
Region 3
No. 7 Sickles (12-5-1) at No. 2 Mitchell (17-2-2), 7
Mitchell’s dominant season has been fueled by David Gillespie (23 goals) and Thomas Lutz (19 assists), while goalkeeper Caden Pappas’ 0.314 GAA has anchored a defense that’s surrendered just 12 goals. The Mustangs remain unbeaten at home (8-0-1) and have outscored opponents by a staggering 103-12 margin.
Sickles brings their own firepower with 59 goals scored this season. The Gryphons’ road performance (7-4) suggests they can compete, but they’ll need to solve Mitchell’s defensive puzzle to advance in this Class 6A clash.
No. 6 East Lake (11-6) at No. 3 Immokalee (15-4-1), 7
Immokalee’s explosive offense (75 goals) is powered by the lethal combination of Brihan Rodriguez (22 goals) and Yoel Barrera (20 assists). The Indians have been especially dangerous at home (5-2), while goalkeeper Rootery Sidrac has kept 33 goals against in 20 matches.
East Lake enters as underdogs but brings momentum. The Eagles’ balanced attack, led by Zane Larsen (5 goals, 3 assists), will need to breach an Immokalee defense that’s been particularly stingy.
Class 5A
Region 2
No. 8 Cypress Creek (8-8) at No. 1 New Smyrna Beach (15-1-6), 7
New Smyrna Beach’s unbeaten home record (10-0-3) faces its biggest test in this Class 5A playoff matchup. The Barracudas have proven nearly unbreakable, conceding just 27 goals while piling up 71 of their own during a campaign that’s seen them lose just once.
Cypress Creek arrives with a perfectly balanced record but shows dangerous scoring potential through Chase Lasasso (13 goals) and Jose Pacheco (10 assists).
No. 4 Wesley Chapel (13-6-1) at No. 5 Springstead (14-3-1), 7
A clash of contrasting styles as Springstead’s stingy defense (21 goals allowed) meets Wesley Chapel’s high-powered attack (64 goals scored). The Eagles have won three of their last four matches while the Wildcats had their three-match win streak snapped.Â
The teams posted identical 3-3-1 records against common opponents, Watch for Springstead striker Raul Maldonado (21 goals) to test Wesley Chapel keeper Camilo Salazar-Montoya early.
No. 6 River Ridge (11-7-2) at No. 3 Innovation (11-5-4), 5
Two of Florida’s most dynamic Class 5A programs clash in this playoff matchup. River Ridge brings a potent offense led by striker Landen Hebb (25 goals), while Innovation counters with the dual threat of Julian Hernandez (14 goals, 7 assists).Â
The Royal Knights have found their rhythm at the right time behind a defense that’s tightened considerably since mid-January. Innovation’s counter attacking style and goalkeeper Julian Mancipe’s 1.22 GAA could prove decisive in what shapes up as a tactical chess match between two disciplined sides.
Region 3
No. 8 Fort Myers (9-9-4) at No. 1 Jesuit (16-2-1), 7
Jesuit’s perfect home record (14-0) and stifling defense (15 goals allowed) make them heavy favorites in this Class 5A playoff clash. The Tigers’ attack flows through Patrick Wiley (18 goals) and Evan Yockey (16 assists), while goalkeeper Liam McLaughlin’s 0.471 GAA ranks among Florida’s best.
Fort Myers enters as massive underdogs but brings playoff experience. The Green Wave will need more than Campbell Sams’ team-leading 9 goals to crack a Jesuit defense that’s posted clean sheets in over half their matches.
Freedom (11-3) at Osceola (18-2), 7
Osceola’s remarkable campaign has been powered by Tomas Vilkialis (23 goals) and a relentless attack that’s produced 89 goals in 20 matches. The Warriors’ perfect home record (8-0) and dominant district run showcase their consistency at both ends of the pitch.
Freedom brings their own firepower through Samuel Cunningham (11 goals) and Mauricio Delgado (10 assists), while goalkeeper Ali Faiad’s 0.319 GAA rivals any in Class 5A. The Patriots’ road prowess (6-0) sets up an intriguing clash between two of state’s most efficient sides.
No. 6 St. Petersburg (11-3-1) at No. 3 Mariner (21-4), 7
Mariner’s prolific offense (94 goals scored) hosts a St. Petersburg squad that’s allowed just 16 goals all season. The Tritons, powered by striker Thomas Castano-Rayo’s 20 goals, have been nearly perfect at home (11-1). The Green Devils counter with goalkeeper Eli Largent, who has yet to allow a goal this season.
The teams haven’t faced any common opponents, but Mariner enters with a more impressive resume, including wins over several top-ranked programs. St. Petersburg’s defense will need to contain Mariner’s Justin Medero, whose 14 assists have been key to the Tritons’ offensive success.
Class 4A
Region 2
No. 8 Nature Coast Tech (8-6-1) at Bishop Moore (21-3-2), 5
Bishop Moore enters as heavy favorites in this Class 4A playoff clash, powered by David Quintero’s remarkable 34-goal campaign and a defense that’s surrendered just 22 goals all season. The Hornets’ stellar home record (13-1-1) and four straight neutral-site wins underscore their dominance.
Nature Coast Tech faces its toughest test of the season, but the Sharks’ perfect district record (3-0-1) shows their ability to perform when stakes are highest. Their counter-attacking system will need to be precise against a Bishop Moore squad that’s averaging 4 goals per match.
Region 3
No. 7 Robinson (8-10-1) at No. 2 Naples (12-6), 7
Naples looks to start its playoff run behind Sebastian Mastronardi Guerro’s eight goals and a miserly defense that’s allowed just 18 goals all season. The Golden Eagles’ home record (6-3) suggests comfort, but their district struggles (1-2) in the regular season hint at vulnerability.
Robinson enters as underdogs but brings momentum from two straight district tournament wins. Felipe Castillo (13 goals) leads a Knights attack that’s outscored expectations despite their sub-.500 record. A third straight victory would mark their most significant achievement this season.
Conclusion
As the regional quarterfinal action unfolds in Classes 7A-4A, local teams are gearing up for intense battles on the field. The matchups are expected to showcase the best of high school soccer talent in Florida, with favorites and underdogs vying for a chance to advance in the state tournament.
FAQs
Q: Which teams have the best defensive records?
A: Teams like Palm Harbor University and Mitchell have shown impressive defensive prowess, conceding minimal goals throughout the season.
Q: Who are the top goal scorers to watch out for?
A: Players like JP Tapias, Landen Hebb, and David Quintero have been leading their teams with exceptional goal-scoring abilities.