Gulliver Prep has a generational group
With eight Florida state 4A titles to its credit, and 12 final four appearances, it is incredible to think that this year’s Gulliver Prep boys soccer team could be the best yet. The Raiders are 22-0-1 and ranked No. 1…
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Continue ReadingWith eight Florida state 4A titles to its credit, and 12 final four appearances, it is incredible to think that this year’s Gulliver Prep boys soccer team could be the best yet. The Raiders are 22-0-1 and ranked No. 1 in Florida and ranked No. 1 in the nation.
Despite this, the goal for Gulliver Prep has remained consistent… Play well, get better.
“Our goals are to play great soccer and for our team to improve daily,” Gulliver Prep coach Scott Davidson said. “We are fortunate to have talented players at all ages of our school and we expect to do well year in and year out. This year, we do have a particularly talented, cohesive and mature team which has allowed us to play in an advanced way.”
The Raiders have made the tournament basically every year for over 3.5 decades, have won the aforementioned eight titles to go with the 12 final four appearances, yet this team is special. That is saying a lot for a team that won the state title just last year.
In its 23 games the Raiders have scored 50 goals, just allowing six. They have 18 clean sheets this season alone. Now they will face No. 2 seeded and undefeated Mater Lakes Academy tonight to determine who gets to the final four.
“We’ve been controlling the games pretty well,” Davidsion said. “(We have) maintained a lot of possession, created a lot of opportunities, limited others opportunities and have been mentally tough against some very good teams.”
A lot of players have contributed to this incredible season and below are eight players have been standing out all season long.
Jorge Gouvea, Midfielder, Class of 2025
Gouvea is a two-footed midfielder who is incredible on the ball. He’s regarded as the best ball-handler in South Florida, and he is also defensively fierce, making his game well-rounded.
Jacob Lombard, Defender, Class of 2026
Lombard is a big, physical specimen and he’s only a sophomore. On top of that, he’s a lockdown defender who is most times the best athlete on the pitch. He’s a baseball star as well, making him a well-rounded athlete.
Rodrigo Navarro, Midfielder, Senior
Navarro is a senior leader and it shows with how calm he is on the ball. He has excellent ball skills as he has put in the work it takes to be a talented leader.
Taro Ochi, Forward, Class of 2025
Ochi has great quickness, and can put the pressure on the backline. He works hard and does not quit. He has great foot skills, displaying excellent tough, and is very creative.
Nico Pineros, Forward/Midfield, Class of 2025
Pineros is a versatile player who can attack from multiple positions on the front line or in the No. 10 spot. He has incredible timing as he is almost always in the right place at the right time He has great touch and is excellent with the ball at his feet.
Dominic Pratt, Keeper, Class of 2024
Pratt is an experienced, senior keeper with strong reactions. On top of the keeper qualities he boasts, such as shot-stopping ability, closing down angles and taking charge, he’s also got great ability with the ball at his feet.
Cosme Salas, Midfielder, Class of 2024
Salas is a standout performer, a star in the midfield. He has incredible vision, and that allows him to be creative. He can create for himself, scoring goals often, or he can create for teammates. He is a powerful player and his timing is next level.
Tomas Sciarra, Forward, Class of 2024
Sciarra is a big, strong forward who can use his physicality to score goals or use his natural ability as he is very talented. He has the strength, he has the speed and he is a big presence up top for the Raiders.