Two games. Two wins. One trophy.
It was like seeing double. On Friday, January 26th, both the SBHS girls and boys soccer teams defeated Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School on the same day – almost simultaneously.
In a classic display of come from behind, the girls soccer team beat Krop 3-2, while the boys shut down Krop 3-0. The games, one away, the other on the Bulldog’s home field, decided two things: for the girls they move forward to play Cooper City in the playoffs. For the boys, it was a district title. Both were positive outcomes.
SBHS junior and captain of the soccer team Maria “Izzy” Capellan wasn’t sure going into the game if the girls team could pull off a win.
“I didn’t have complete faith in defeating Krop,” said Capellan. “However, I knew that if we worked hard enough that we could definitely play to their level.”
The beginning of the game was tricky. Krop took the lead quickly by a corner kick. The ball ended up getting deflected, and SBHS Senior, Martin Joazard, gained possession of the ball to try to clear it, but because of an ankle injury from a previous game, the ball didn’t get cleared and Krop scored. The second goal by Krop was soon after – a simple mistake on the Bulldogs’ behalf.
“We were distracted and our heads were not in the game,” said Capellan.
Once the score was 2-0 SBHS girls immediately turned things around in the starting second quarter. Capellan dribbled the ball all the way down the wing, crossing it to SBHS Junior, Skylar Blanco, who then scored their first goal of the game.
Soon after Capellan took a corner kick, which got kicked to a Krop player who was fighting for the ball. Blanco gained possession and passed it in front of SBHS freshman, Marlena Mayorga, who then scored the tying goal making the score now 2-2.
“I felt very nervous after they scored the second goal. However, once Marlena scored the tying goal I was no longer nervous and I knew that we were going to win the game,” said Coach Brevil.
As the game moved into the last quarter, SBHS Senior Emma Zulueta, had the ball crossed to her from the right wing and scored their winning goal, making the final score 3-2.
“I am very proud of my team. I kept telling them in the beginning that we were going to districts for sure. Now we’re going to play one of the top teams that are ranked in the nation and state” said Coach Brevil.
South Broward girls soccer hadn’t made it past districts since 2020.
After their win, the girls soccer team loaded the bus and celebrated by blasting music and singing along. Once they got back to school, the girls immediately went to the field to cheer on the soccer boys playoff game.
The boys district final was already in the second half. With a score of 3-0.
“I was not nervous and I am very confident in our group and our ability. If we play and execute like we should, we put ourselves in a position to beat anyone we play,” said Lionel Brown, head coach of SBHS boys soccer.
South Broward boys scored in the first 10 minutes of the game and again before half time was called. People in the stands felt that the boys were claiming their victory.
The first two goals were both penalties scored by SBHS senior, Lucas Velazco. Lucas Costa, SBHS senior, was fouled for the first one. The second penalty occurred when Costa passed to SBHS junior Aldrin Ortiz to the left side where Ortiz put his body in front of one of Krop’s defenders who then attempted to slide tackle, which lead to a foul.
“I took both penalties by the same run up and shot to the left,” said Velazco.
“After we scored those two times they had a very close chance on us. I had to clear out near the post, the ball in line,” said Ivan Fernadez, SBHS senior and goalie for the soccer team.
During the second half of their game, they made a third goal. This goal was a counter attack. Ortiz and SBHS senior, William Perdomo, were in a two v. two on the half line. Ortiz stole the ball from Krop and passed it to Perdomo who then dribbled from the half line all the way to the six yard box and shot in the goal.
District title is just the first step of their journey. The ultimate prize is still up for grabs and that is their main focus at the moment.
“Tactics are a big part of how we approach the game. We study films of ourselves and our opponents and from there we address the flaws in our game and focus on reaffirming our strengths. The idea is to improve with every game so we’re constantly attempting to get better.” said Coach Lionel.
