JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Mandarin boys soccer team is headed to the state semifinals.
The Mustangs, the wire-to-wire team in the Varsity 4 Super 6 the last three seasons, used a strong start in the second half to beat Bartram Trail 3-1 in the Region 1-6A final on Wednesday night. The Mustangs scored three minutes apart in the second half and kept that lead until the finish.
Recommended Videos
It’s the fifth trip to the state final four for the Mustangs. They last went in 2022, with trips in 2010, 2012 and ‘16 before that.
Mandarin (18-0-2) will face Oviedo (15-3-3) in the Class 6A state semis at the Lake Myrtle Sports Park soccer stadium in Auburndale on Feb. 20. The winner will face either Olympic Heights or Mitchell for the championship on Feb. 22 at 4 p.m.
Regional finals
Wednesday’s result
(1) Mandarin 3, (3) Bartram Trail 1
Regional semifinals
Friday’s games
Region 1-3A
(4) Santa Fe (14-3-2) at (1) Wolfson (18-3-2)
Region 1-2A
(6) Williston (12-5-2) at (2) Episcopal (14-2-4)
Region 1-1A
(4) Oak Hall (11-4) at (1) St. Joseph (17-7)