Boys state soccer finals
All matches are at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand. Admission is $9 in advance, $12 on the day of the event. Parking is free.
Class 5A
Jesuit (17-1-2) vs. Belen Jesuit (17-3-1), 4
How they got here: Jesuit d. Auburndale 6-1, d. Lake Gibson 4-0, d. Land O’ Lakes 2-0, d. Jacksonville Stanton 2-1. Belen Jesuit d. Fort Lauderdale Archbishop McCarthy 2-0, d. Pembroke Pines Charter 3-1, d. Eau Gallie 2-1, d. Naples Lely 3-1.
Top players: Jesuit: MF Baylen Young, Jr. (19 assists, 12 goals); F/MF Aris Pantzalis, Sr. (10 goals, 2 assists); F Kellen Kirkpatrick-McMullen, Sr. (9 goals, 5 assists); MF Hyatt Sbar, Sr. (9 goals, 3 assists); GK Phillip Falcon III, Jr. (66 saves, 13 shutouts). Belen Jesuit: F/MF Emiliano Sosa, Sr. (14 goals, 3 assists); F/MF Matias Perinot, Jr. (10 goals, 5 assists); F/MF Christian Bargueiras, Jr., (7 goals, 4 assists).
Outlook: Jesuit, ranked first in 5A, second overall in the state and third nationally by MaxPreps, is the defending champion. It appeared the Tigers might have a difficult time repeating after losing 16 players who graduated, including Carson Bien, the 5A state player of the year. No matter. The Tigers simply reloaded. This is a deep and balanced roster with 10 players who have scored at least two goals this season, led by Baylen Young with 12. But the defense has been the catalyst for another title run. Jesuit has allowed a combined two goals in its last 12 matches. Still, it will not be easy. Belen Jesuit is ranked second in 5A, sixth overall in the state and 12th nationally. The Wolverines are playing in the final for the first time since 2018 when they won it all.
