Gibbons tops North Broward Prep in battle of Broward County girls soccer powers

The Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons and Coconut Creek North Broward Prep girls’ soccer teams have had some intense battles in recent years.

Some have been in the regular season.

Two years ago, the teams met in a regional playoff match won by Gibbons.

On Thursday morning, they clashed on an even bigger stage - the state final four.

And it was Cardinal Gibbons, which once again prevailed in the battle of Broward County powers.

Sophomore Reagan Hood delivered the lone goal to lift the Chiefs to a 1-0 victory over North Broward Prep in a Class 3A state semifinal at the Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale.

Gibbons (21-0-2) advanced to the 3A state championship match, and will play Montverde Academy at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Montverde routed Pensacola Catholic, 5-0, in the other semifinal on Thursday.

“We’re fortunate to have a day off because this was a hard fought match and we expected that going in,” Gibbons coach Margo Flack said. “We need it to recover and rest and we’re very lucky to have that. Right now we’re just enjoying the win. They fought hard for it and they’ve rested. Tomorrow we’ll gear up for a big final.”

Gibbons is vying for its first unbeaten season, first state title since 2021 and second overall.

The Chiefs’ win over the Eagles (19-2-3) marked the first matchup in a state semifinal between Broward teams since Cypress Bay beat Douglas in 2021, and the third such encounter between county rivals since the tournament began in 1982.

“It was strange, but enjoyable,” Gibbons coach Margo Flack said. “It’s nice to play a familiar opponent. But it still had the excitement of a state semifinal and it was nice and a huge gain for both teams. It was exactly what we expected.”

Hood struck in the 15th minute after she tapped home a rebound following a shot on goal by Caroline Findley. The chance was created by a strong through ball by Camila Escobar.

“She really had a game today and that’s the Reagan that she is,” Flack said. “She took over and was able to make the players around her better with the type of soccer she plays and she enjoys herself out there. They’re the best team they are when they’re having fun.”

After that, as it has been many times this season, it was up to the Gibbons defenders and goalkeeper Kennedy McCausland, who registered her 14th shutout.

Gibbons’ defenders were outstanding once again, disrupting chances by the Eagles to tie the game on multiple occasions in the second half.

The effort was led by sophomore Abigail Gillette and junior Shiloh Simmons.

“She’s been very big for us back there and played very well again and that’s also a credit to Abby (Gillette) and Shiloh,” Flack said. “I just think it’s so comforting for the offensive side to know that they’re back there. They’ve come up so clutch. It’s what they do back there. It’s huge.”

This story was originally published February 19, 2026 at 4:08 PM.

Andre C. Fernandez

Miami Herald

Andre Fernandez is the Deputy Sports Editor of the Miami Herald and has covered a wide variety of sports during his career including the Miami Marlins, Miami Heat, Miami Dolphins, University of Miami athletics, and high school sports.