Girls soccer: Tampa Bay area report — Feb. 6, 2024

The girls soccer playoffs start tonight with the region quarterfinals in Classes 4A-2A. Here are the capsules for the area teams in each class.

Tonight’s Area Region Quarterfinal Matchups

Class 4A
Region 2

No. 4 Titusville (11-5-1) at No. 5 Nature Coast (11-6), 7

The host Sharks were dominant last week, beating South Sumter and Weeki Wachee by a combined 9-1 for the 4A-6 district title. The Terriers are looking to bounce back after a 1-0 loss to Satellite in the 4A-8 district final.

Region 3

No. 3 Lakeland McKeel (8-6-3) at No. 6 Robinson (12-6-1), 5

This is a rematch from last year’s region semifinal contest that the Wildcats won 6-0. The 4A-11 district champion Knights have won three straight matches, outscoring foes by a combined 18-0 during that stretch. McKeel, meanwhile, is trying to rebound from a 2-1 overtime loss to Academy of the Holy Names in the 4A-10 district final.

No. 8 Fort Myers Gateway (13-5-1) at No. 1 Academy of the Holy Names (9-4-1), 7

After reaching the region final last season, the host Jaguars are poised to make an even deeper run in the playoffs. They own the top seed in the region after winning last week’s 4A-10 district title. The Eagles are coming off a 1-0 loss to Aubrey Rogers in the 4A-12 district final that snapped their four-match unbeaten streak.

No. 5 Lemon Bay (9-9-2) at No. 4 Dunedin (11-2-2), 7

The host Falcons enter the playoffs on a nine-match win streak. Defense has been key for Dunedin, which has allowed just seven goals all season. After starting the season 4-9-2, the Manta Rays have won five straight matches to get back to .500.

Class 3A
Region 2

No. 6 Windermere Prep (7-6-2) at No. 3 Berkeley Prep (14-4), 6

The Buccaneers, ranked sixth in the class by MaxPreps, have won five straight matches. including victories over Tampa Prep and Calvary Christian to take home the 3A-7 district title. The Lakers are 1-2-1 in their last four matches.

No. 8 Bell Creek Academy (12-8-1) at No. 1 Montverde (13-4-1), 7

The 3A-6 district champion Panthers have a formidable challenge going up against the Eagles, who are ranked second in the class, sixth overall in the state and 17th nationally by MaxPreps.

No. 5 Lake Highland Prep (8-5-2) at No. 4 Calvary Christian (7-4-3), 7

Thanks to their tough schedule, the Warriors are ranked 10th in the class by MaxPreps. But they are looking to get back on track after going 1-2-1 in their last four matches. The Highlanders, who are 2-2-2 in their last six matches, also are searching for some consistency.

Class 2A
Region 1

No. 7 Academy at the Lakes (8-6) at No. 2 Jacksonville Christ Church’s Academy (8-5-1), 5:30

After starting the season 2-5, the Wildcats reeled off six straight wins before losing by a goal in double overtime in the 2A-4 district final. The host Eagles are trying to get back on track after losing three of their last four matches.

Region 3

No. 5 Bradenton Saint Stephen’s (10-3-3) at No. 4 Carrollwood Day (11-4-2), 5

The host Patriots outlasted Shorecrest, beating their rival in penalty kicks to win the 2A-9 district title. The 2A-10 district champion Falcons have won three matches, all via shutout.

No. 8 Indian Rocks Christian (8-5-2) at No. 1 Shorecrest (6-3-3), 7

Despite losing in the 2A-9 district final, the host Chargers were still able to earn the top seed in the region thanks to their challenging schedule. The Golden Eagles have played well against quality competition all season.