JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The high school soccer state semifinals begin this week in Auburndale, and the area will be well represented. The Providence girls and Episcopal boys open the final four by playing in games on Tuesday. St. Johns Country Day will play in the state semifinals on Friday. Here’s a look at how the Tuesday games break down.
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Class 2A
Episcopal (21-0-3) vs. Tampa Prep (15-1-2)
When: Tuesday, 7 p.m.
Where: Lake Myrtle Sports Complex, Auburndale.
Road here: Episcopal d. Providence, 3-0; d. P.K. Yonge, 3-1; d. Williston, 3-0; Tampa Prep d. Community School of Naples, 6-3; d. Berkeley Prep, 1-0; d. Carrollwood Day, 3-2.
Winner gets: Holy Trinity Episcopal or Westminster Christian in the state championship game on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Notable: Unbeaten through 24 matches, it’s been a run of historic proportions for the Eagles. The step up in competition in the final four is steep. Episcopal, ranked No. 7 in 2A by the FHSAA, has a negative strength of schedule rating. Tampa Prep is nationally ranked by MaxPreps (12th) and comes in at No. 1 in 2A. Will that discrepancy matter on the field Tuesday night? Episcopal’s defense has been elite, allowing just nine goals all season. GK Drew Monti has been a wall in the net. Robert Adams, Rush Kirk and Edmond Saoud have combined for 43 goals. Defender Charles Devooght has not only anchored the defense but leads the Eagles with 16 assists.
Class 2A girls
Providence (14-4-2) vs. Palmer Trinity (17-2-1)
When: Tuesday, 1 p.m.
Where: Lake Myrtle Sports Complex, Auburndale.
Road here: Providence d. Branford, 8-0; d. Maclay, 2-0; d. Episcopal, 2-1; Palmer Trinity Miami Country Day, 8-0; d. Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, 5-1; d. Ransom Everglades, 3-1.
Winner gets: King’s Academy or Lakeland Christian in the state championship game on Wednesday at 4 p.m.
Notable: Providence returns to the state semifinals for just the second time after going in 2022, the result of a well-balanced lineup (15 players have a goal) and young players emerging. Providence has just four seniors. Kendall Trimiar has a team-best 14 goals and eight assists for the Stallions, followed by Katie Cunningham (8 goals, 7 assists) and Ansley Smith (7 goals, 6 assists). Can Providence find the net against what has been a stout Palmer Trinity defense? It has allowed just six goals since the start of the new year.