Girls’ soccer preview: Heritage ‘rebuilding’; Lourdes, Gibbons, Somerset loaded

American Heritage coach Cindy Marcial has said that this will be a “rebuilding year” for her girls’ soccer team.

That’s of note because the Patriots have won three straight state titles and 14 in total, which is just one short of the Florida record shared by St. Thomas Aquinas and St. John’s Country Day.

American Heritage went 19-1 last season, ending the year ranked No. 1 in the nation by MaxPreps. It was Heritage’s first No. 1 ranking since 2005.

“(But) we graduated nine seniors from last season, including eight starters,” Marcial said. “We’re going to be young. We have just three seniors and no juniors starting.”

Still, the Patriots return senior midfielder Alison Aleman, who had 14 goals and 18 assists last season; and freshman Juliana Soto, who added 15 goals and four assists.

On defense, the Patriots are led by senior Zahira Freeman, and senior midfielder Emma Torres is another key player.

Marcial said all three of her seniors – Aleman, Freeman and Torres – are close to signing with college soccer programs.

Last season, while competing in Class 4A, American Heritage allowed just five goals all season, finishing the year on a 12-game win streak. And, over their final 11 games, the Patriots outscored opponents, 73-0.

Their only loss was 2-1 to Cape Coral Mariner.

“We outshot them 30-5,” Marcial said. “It was just one of those days.”

As for the upcoming season, Marcial said opponents better hope to schedule Heritage early. By midseason, when those young players have more experience, Marcial said: “We should be rocking and rolling.”

▪ Lourdes went 16-2-2 last season, winning district and regional finals before losing 2-1 to Ponte Vedra in the Class 5A final.

The Bobcats, who won state titles in 2018 and 2020, should contend again this season. They return seven starters, including junior forward Veronica Aguilar, the reigning Herald Player of the Year after posting 17 goals and six assists as a sophomore.

“She’s explosive and tricky,” Lourdes coach David Fique said. “She has also played for the Peruvian junior national team.”

Lourdes also returns senior midfielder Nicole Lee (4 goals, 13 assists, first-team All-Dade); and sophomore wing Gianna Gray (14 goals, six assists).

The Bobcats, 67-9-8 in four years under Fique, also bring back seniors Jessica Lee and Andrea Muelle and junior Lily Martinez.

▪ In Class 3A, Cardinal Gibbons (13-6-2) returns eight starters from a team that won district and regional titles before losing in the state semifinals.

The top returner is senior midfielder Mia Conard, an LSU recruit who last season produced 14 goals and six assists.

Sophomore midfielder Abby Gillette also returns after posting 13 goals and 10 assists as a freshman.

▪ In Class 4A (along with Heritage) is Somerset Academy, which went 16-6-0 last season, reaching the regional finals for the first time in program history.

This season, Somerset returns 16 players, including 10 starters. The Panthers will be led by senior forward Ella Provost-Heron (27 goals, 11 assists in 15 games). Provost-Heron, who plays for Jamaica’s Under-18 national team, has committed to play for George Washington University.

Two midfielders are also key: junior Juliana Cortes and senior Angelie Carrasco.

Watch out for freshman goalkeeper Natalia Salcedo, who plays for Puerto Rico’s Under-14 national team.

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▪ In Class 7A, Cypress Bay (18-2-1) made it to the state final before losing 2-0 to Lake Mary. From that team, Cypress Bay lost 12 seniors. The Lightning will rebuild around junior forward Daniela Duran (16 goals, 10 assists); senior forward Mac Rector (nine goals, 14 assists): and senior defender Atika Hassan.

▪ In Class 2A, Ransom Everglades (14-5-3) returns 70 percent of its roster from last season, when the Raiders won district and regional titles before losing in the state semifinals. This season, Ransom has a strong core of seniors that includes Stella Colombo; Olivia Geller; Johanna James; and Kenzei Connell.

▪ MAST Academy (14-4-2) is coming off its first district title in 11 years. The Makos return sophomore midfielder Daniela Sanchez, who made first-team All-Dade with 11 goals and 24 assists. Senior forward Camila Flack had 12 goals and 16 assists, making second-team All-Dade.

▪ La Salle (14-6-1) reached the 3A regional semifinals last season. This season, the Royal Lions will be young – just four seniors. The leaders include senior defenders Senna Trafton and Luna Fernandez as well as junior midfielder Sofia Cruces.

▪ North Broward Prep (12-4-2) made it to the 3A regional semifinals last season. The team has a group of players who have been together since the eighth grade. They are led by senior goalkeeper Zoie Brown, who had 10 shutouts last season. Junior Jayda Palumbo had 20 goals, and senior Ella Munoz is a star on defense.

▪ Flanagan (11-7-1) made the 6A regional quarterfinals last season. This season, Flanagan looks to be an experienced team with skill all over the field, including senior forwards Skylar Rogers (19 goals) and Gabriella Quezada (13 goals, six assists) and senior center-back Jurnee Bent.

▪ Carrollton went 8-7-2 last season, reaching the 2A regional quarterfinals. This season, the Cyclones will be led by sophomore Mia Martell (10 goals, four assists). Junior Cristina Cuervo is the new No. 1 goalie.

▪ Coral Gables (9-3-2) should be strong on offense, although goalkeeper is a question mark. Senior Brooke Lawson is coming off a stellar season (16 goals, eight assists). Senior Prudence Truchot plays for France’s Under-20 national team.

▪ Monarch (9-7-3) graduated nine seniors, but they return speed, work ethic and team defense. The team leaders are two seniors: forward Dalilah Alvarado-Nater (22 goals, 12 assists) and midfielder Sophia Henriques (six goals, 10 assists).

▪ Southridge (8-5-1) will be led by seniors Ariana G. Burbano; Patricia Elbasetreboso; and Isabela Ramirez; Junior Alexandra Velez is another player to watch.

▪ Homestead (7-4-4) graduated eight seniors from a team that finished third in its district. However, the team returns a pair of standout juniors in Damarys Espinoza (15 goals, 15 assists, third-team All-Dade) and Julissa Vargas (143 steals, All-Dade honorable mention).

This story was originally published October 27, 2025 at 9:49 AM.