News Summary
In a remarkable upset, Winter Park defeated defending state champion Creekside in the FHSAA Region 1-7A semifinal, ending in a 0-0 tie and clinching victory 5-4 in penalty kicks. Key performances from Winter Park’s goalkeeper, Sadie Thomas, were instrumental in this historic win over the nationally ranked team. As they prepare to face Lake Mary next, the results signal a thrilling postseason for high school soccer in Florida.
Winter Park Shocks Creekside in High School Soccer Upset
In a stunning turn of events at the Florida High School Athletic Association Region 1-7A semifinal, Winter Park pulled off an unbelievable upset against the defending state champion, Creekside. The match ended in a nail-biting 0-0 tie after regulation and overtime, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout which Winter Park clinched with a score of 5-4 on penalty kicks!
Creekside came into this match boasting a record of 17-1-1 and had a hefty reputation, being ranked No. 1 nationally by both the *United Soccer Coaches poll* and *MaxPreps ranking*. With just three goals allowed all season, they were considered a tough nut to crack. However, Winter Park’s impressive goalkeeper, Sadie Thomas, played a crucial part in keeping them at bay, making key saves that led to their victory.
Upcoming Challenges for Winter Park
With this surprise victory under their belts, Winter Park is now set to face Lake Mary, who triumphed over Timber Creek in their own semifinal match. For the first time since 2019, it looks like the First Coast will not produce a winner in Florida’s largest-school classification. Creekside had previously claimed the title in 2022 and 2024, while Bartram Trail held the trophy in 2020, 2021, and 2023.
Bartram Trail Continues Winning Streak
Speaking of Bartram Trail, they also showcased their prowess by defeating their county rival, Nease, with a crisp score of 4-0. Goal scorers for Bartram Trail included Eden Freeman-Warren, Ali Fletcher, Leilany Fresse, and Bella Abinsay. Their goalkeepers have shown remarkable skill, maintaining a shutout streak that has now extended beyond 400 minutes.
Looking ahead, Bartram Trail will be gearing up to take on Niceville in the upcoming regional final, where they hope to continue their impressive run.
Ponte Vedra Dominates Against Mosley
Meanwhile, Ponte Vedra made headlines by overwhelming Lynn Haven Mosley with a resounding 6-1 victory. A standout performance from junior Izzy Whitaker, who scored a hat trick, was instrumental in this impressive win. Other contributors included Lily Morse, Grace Raymond, and Charlotte Martin, rounding out the scoring for Ponte Vedra.
The Ponte Vedra goalkeeping duo combined for three saves, ensuring the team maintained a solid defense throughout the match.
Bishop Kenny Rolls Over Wakulla
Not to be outdone, Bishop Kenny continued their dominance by dispatching Wakulla with a convincing score of 6-0. Goals came from Reilly Clarke, Stella Jones, Olivia Pia, and Kylie Morgan, helping the team extend their winning streak to ten games. They are now set to face Stanton in an all-Jacksonville regional final, heightening the excitement for local soccer fans.
Soccer Excitement Beyond Florida
Across state lines in Pennsylvania, the annual indoor soccer tournament taking place in Penn Hills featured thrilling matches, with both varsity and junior varsity teams showing off their skills. In the junior varsity division, Central Catholic took home the trophy, while Allderdice triumphed in the varsity event. The futsal-style format offered fast-paced action and unlimited substitutions, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. With so much happening, coaches emphasized the importance of keeping players engaged and training during the winter months.
Looking Ahead
As we enter the heart of postseason play, local high school basketball and soccer teams across the region are gearing up for exciting matchups. Notable girls’ basketball teams like Ontario Christian, Etiwanda, and Rancho Christian are enjoying the home-court advantage, while fans are encouraged to support their teams as they embark on thrilling playoff runs in both basketball and soccer.
With so much talent shining through, it’s a thrilling time to be a part of high school sports!
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Additional Resources
- TopDrawerSoccer: National Winter High School Roundup
- Wikipedia: High school soccer
- Jacksonville.com: FHSAA High School Girls Soccer
- Google Search: FHSAA High School Girls Soccer
- TribLive HSSN: Penn Hills Soccer Indoor Tournament
- Google Scholar: Penn Hills Soccer Indoor Tournament
- AZCentral: Arizona High School Winter Soccer Season Preview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Arizona High School Soccer
- MyValleyNews: CIF-SS Playoffs for Winter Sports Teams
- Google News: CIF-SS Playoffs