Shorecrest’s Jason Montoya named Class 2A coach of the year

Since arriving three years ago, Jason Montoya has turned Shorecrest’s boys soccer program into a consistent state title contender. Each season under Montoya, the Chargers took another significant step in the postseason. 

In 2018, Shorecrest reached the state semifinals. Last season, the Chargers made it to the state final. Both times, their season ended with heartbreaking, one-goal losses. 

The painful memories of past postseason defeats served as a powerful motivator. Once again, Shorecrest made a deep run in the playoffs, advancing to the state final. 

This time, there were no close calls. The Chargers won convincingly, beating Tallahassee Maclay 4-0 in the Class 2A state final. Not only did Shorecrest win its first-ever boys soccer championship but the fast-rising program handed Maclay, ranked seventh nationally, its only loss of the season. 

Montoya had a lot to do with that. Last week, he was recognized for his successful run by being selected as the Florida Dairy Farmers Class 2A state coach of the year. The winners in each classification were selected by a panel of high school boys soccer coaches and reporters.

In three seasons, Montoya has gone 54-9-5. His teams have all been ranked among the top 15 in the state regardless of classification by MaxPreps.

Related: Jesuit coach wins Eric Sims Class 5A state honor

The Chargers finished this season on an eight-game win streak, outscoring opponents by a combined 32-1. Max Consoni provided the bulk of the scoring this season with 24 goals and 13 assists. Lucas Murphy was the primary goalkeeper and finished the season with 45 saves and recorded 11 shutouts.