Cypress Bay’s Giancarlo Dostillo is Broward boys’ soccer 7A-5A player of the year

Giancarlo Dostillo knew this was their year. The Cypress Bay boys’ soccer team had a senior-heavy roster. The talent and the desire was there.

“We knew this was our last run,” the striker said.

The final run ended in a state championship, Cypress Bay’s sixth in school history and first since 2017.

And Dostillo, the Miami Herald’s 7A-5A Broward Boys’ Soccer Player of the Year was integral in the Lightning’s return to the top. He scored 19 goals and added another 22 assists to power Cypress Bay’s offense all season.

This included four goals and three assists in the state series, including an assist on Cypress Bay’s third goal in its 4-1 Class 7A state title win over Tampa Plant.

“I got faster from last year,” Dostillo said. “More physical and tried harder to get on the ball.”

Soccer is his comfort zone. He began playing the sport when he was 6 while growing up in Venezuela. He moved to the United States in 2014. The adjustment to living in a new country was difficult at first, but soccer helped ease the pressure.

“My dad implemented the idea of loving the game to me,” said Dostillo, who also plays for Weston FC as part of the United Soccer League Academy. “He’s always said ‘If you’re gonna play, if you’re gonna do it, do it right. If not, don’t do it.’”

He played the right way this season and capped his high school career with a state title. He formed a bond with his 12 senior teammates, all of whom were looking to make a run after the 2021 season ended in the regional semifinals.

The camaraderie showed on the field with Cypress Bay going 22-1, outscoring opponents 77-11 and posting 17 shutouts.

“From the beginning, we knew we had a special group of guys,” Dostillo said. “We got to work.”

Dostillo is still figuring out the next steps of his career. He’s contacting schools with hopes of playing collegiately. Playing overseas is an option as well.

One thing is certain: Soccer will remain part of his life.

“It means everything to me,” Dostillo said.

This story was originally published April 6, 2022 at 10:15 AM.