Both the boys and girls soccer teams defeated Key West last week to claim district championships. The girls team celebrated a close 1-0 win on Feb. 8. Shortly afterward, on Feb. 9, the boys team fought through a scoreless game until sealing a 3-0 victory in overtime. Now, both teams have advanced into the regional semifinals as their seasons continue.

“I think our team worked really hard to get to this point,” said girls team captain Katelyn Harnett. “We’ve had a lot of ups and downs this season but I’m very glad that we could get this far and continue to keep going.”

Despite the obstacle of losing eleven seniors from last year’s team, which made it to the regional finals, the girls’ team is defiant and continued to work hard through the district tournament. The winning goal was scored by middle school player Carolina Egea following a beautiful cross to the box from junior Catalina Garcia.

“We planned for today, and [on Feb. 9] we got a win because everyone did their job,” boys Coach Neil Berment said in an interview with Assistant Athletic Director Lazaro Fernandez for @gulliverathletics. “I’m looking forward to the regionals and onward.” 

This is Berment’s first year with the program, after replacing former coach Chris Bart-Williams. He and the team are excited to continue their success after a state championship last season. 

The boys really had to work hard for this win, as the game went well into overtime. However, the team came through, scoring all three of their goals in overtime. Senior Marco Gutierrez was first to strike, with an assist from junior Pablo Perez. Freshman Cosme Salas scored next, and the game was finished off by junior Jack Epstein on a penalty kick. 

Both the teams had to quarantine for two weeks due to COVID protocols, and the teams were doubtful of whether they would be able to play in districts at all. However, the games were rescheduled so everyone could participate. 

“At the beginning of those two weeks, I really didn’t think that we were going to be able to come back,” said Harnett. “After that setback, all of us had a little bit of a reality check of how this can get taken away from us at any moment. That game, all of us were just so excited to be back that it really did intensify the game and made us play better.” 

The girls and boys teams feel good right now, heading into regionals as they continue their quest for a state championship.