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Girls’ soccer

Gulliver’s unbeaten streak at 53

 

Samantha Lujan scored a hat trick and had an assist in the win.

a1fernandez@MiamiHerald.com

Gulliver’s girls’ soccer team has had to change its lineup quite often this season.

Injuries to eight of its players have challenged the Raiders’ ability to maintain consistency in their bid to repeat as state champions.

And yet for the second year in a row, no one has been able to beat Gulliver.

As they have done throughout the season, the Raiders used a mix of veterans and young players to put together another dominant effort Friday night in a 4-0 victory against host La Salle in a Region 4-2A semifinal.

Gulliver (23-0-1) extended its unbeaten streak to 53 games and advanced to Tuesday’s regional finals. The Raiders will face their toughest challenge to date when they play American Heritage-Delray at home at 3:30 p.m.

“It truly has been a team effort in the true sense of the word,” Gulliver coach Everton Edwards said. “You have to have a good foundation, and these girls have a winning mentality, and they win with class.”

Edwards’ biggest concern at the start of the season, however, was his team’s depth. It has proved to be an asset in difficult times.

Sophomores and freshman have stepped into key roles as they did Friday when sophomore Samantha Lujan scored three goals and assisted on another, including a goal 30 seconds into the match on Gulliver’s first rush up the field.

Freshman Natalie Verde scored the other goal on a well-timed header off a corner kick by Lujan. Edwards said sophomore Chandler Precht and freshman Khara Vassell have been key contributors on the defensive end, as has freshman backup goalkeeper Ciara Keane.

“We’ve had a lot of support from different players all season,” Lujan said. “We’ve all stepped up and not let any team stop us.”

Scoring hasn’t been a problem either.

Senior Sara Darmanin broke the Miami-Dade County single-season scoring record previously held by former teammate Dara Spital in districts. Darmanin has 64 goals this season — three more than Spital’s 61. Junior goalkeeper Sophia Trujillo recorded her 17th shutout.

Darmanin’s efforts have been key in the absence of Gulliver’s two top scorers. The Raiders played without senior Paulina Speckmaier, who was playing in a tournament in Italy. Edwards said he hopes to have Speckmaier back against Heritage.

They also played without junior Madeleine Intriago, who has missed several games with a high ankle sprain. Edwards said Intriago’s only hope for a return this season would be if Gulliver reached the state championship game.

“It’s nice to see every player be a part of the team’s success,” Darmanin said. “This season, it’s been really important to have bench players that are reliable in tough games.”

TUESDAY’S REGIONAL FINALS

4-5A: Lourdes at Weston Cypress Bay, 7

4-4A at Traz: Melbourne vs. Miami Springs, 7

4-2A: American Heritage-Delray at Gulliver, 3:30

4-1A: Palmer Trinity at South Florida HEAT (Site TBA), 4

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