Last week, Tampa Prep lost by a goal to Jesuit in the final of the Tampa Bay Invitational, ending the Terrapins’ chance for a second perfect season in the past two years.
Though Tampa Prep had its nine-match win streak snapped to open the season, there still was a chance at exacting some measure of revenge when the rivals square off this Tuesday in their annual regular season grudge match.
But redemption came sooner than expected.
Both teams advanced to the final of the Champions League, held Saturday night at St. Petersburg’s Al Lang Stadium.
This time, the Terrapins got payback, winning 3-0 to take home the title for the second time in the past three seasons. They also handed Jesuit its first loss.
The bay area version of the Champions League is based on the popular tournament for professional club teams in Europe. The local event features the top high school teams from the Tampa Bay area in a tournament at the start of the season.
To reach the final, the Terrapins first had to get past Mitchell in the semifinals Saturday morning. Danny Alvarez scored two goals and Luke Zujovic added another in a 3-1 victory. Blake Dolen scored the lone goal for the Mustangs.
In the other semifinal, the defending champion Tigers got past Osceola 3-0. Charles Dowman, Kaden Plummer and Dante Searls each scored and Gavin Garlick made four saves in recording the shutout for Jesuit.
In the final, the Terrapins’ defense was the difference. JB Montague recorded eight saves in leading Tampa Prep to its seventh shutout this season. Alvarez, who was named the Rick Masi Champions League MVP, scored twice with Jaime McFarland adding another goal.
