Hillsborough County has been the hub for boys soccer this season. Carrollwood Day (Class 2A) and Tampa Prep (3A) won state titles this past weekend.
Now, Jesuit is on the verge of adding another one for the county.
On Tuesday, the Tigers exacted revenge for last year’s final four loss to Naples by beating the Eagles 2-1 in the state semifinals.
And Jesuit did it while being short-handed.
Early in the second half, Naples converted on a penalty kick to tie the match at 1. To make matters worse, a blue card was issued, meaning the Tigers had to play down a player the remainder of the match.
Despite being depleted, Jesuit managed to pull through.
Nicolas Cubas made sure of it.
The senior midfielder scored what turned out to be the winner with about five minutes remaining. Another senior, Dante Searls, scored the Tigers’ other goal in the first half.
Jesuit will play the Arnold-Pembroke Pines Charter winner in Friday’s championship.
The county could end up winning four of six classes (2A-7A) that they have teams competing in.
On Wednesday, Bloomingdale plays in the 6A state semifinals.
