- January 22, 2025
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Photo by TK_PHOTOGRAPHY
The West Orange and Southwest Orange communities are hotbeds for high school soccer, and the 2024-25 season has yet again shown that to be the case, with multiple boys and girls teams positioning themselves to compete for district, regional and even state titles.
Now that the regular season has concluded and teams begin to play in their respective district tournaments, here’s a preview of the playoff picture for the area’s teams.
MaxPreps Class 6A ranking: No. 10
Best results: 5-1 win at Celebration (11-3-1); 3-3 tie at Lake Highland Prep (6-4-2); 5-0 win vs. Timber Creek (11-3-1)
Player to watch: Weber Nakagawa, Senior
With 22 goals and 10 assists on the season, the Horizon captain has not only been crucial to the Hawks’ success but he’s also having one of the best offensive performances in program history.
Postseason Outlook
The Horizon Hawks enter the FHSAA Class 6A, District 4 tournament on a nine-game unbeaten streak after facing a grueling regular-season schedule. Under first-year coach Sheamus Conway, the high-scoring Hawks are the clear favorites to take home the district crown, having averaged 3.56 goals per game. Looking past districts, Horizon should be able to advance in the earlier rounds of the regional playoffs but will have one of the state’s top programs, Mandarin High, standing in its way of getting out of Region 1 and reaching the state semifinals.
MaxPreps Class 7A ranking: No. 5
Best results: 2-1 win at Horizon (11-4-3); 2-1 win vs. Windermere (9-3-4); 3-0 win vs. Spruce Creek (14-5-5); 2-2 tie vs. Lake Nona (11-0-4)
Player to watch: Ismeal Herrera, Senior
One of the biggest reasons why the Knights are the highest-ranked team in the area is their ability to limit scoring opportunities for the opposition. At the center of that is the senior goalie, who has only allowed 11 goals in 16 appearances for Ocoee High.
Postseason Outlook
Having faced nine teams inside the top 100 of MaxPreps’ Florida rankings (seven inside the top 50), Ocoee is more than prepared for any team it will face in the postseason. Relying on its stifling defense, which has only allowed 15 goals in its 19 games, the Knights are the favorites to claim the Class 7A, District 3 title. In the regional playoffs, Timber Creek High likely will be the biggest test Ocoee will face in Region 1.
MaxPreps Class 7A ranking: No. 9
Best results: 1-1 (3-1 PKs) win vs. Ocoee (10-2-7); 8-2 win at West Orange (7-4-3); 2-2 tie vs. Horizon (11-4-3)
Player to watch: Francesco Sanchez, Junior
Sanchez’s production speaks for itself — he’s bagged a team-leading 21 goals this season while adding six assists. Expect him and the rest of the potent Wolverines’ attack to continue rattling the net in the postseason.
Postseason Outlook
With wins over three of its four possible opponents in the Class 7A, District 5 tournament, Windermere High is a heavy favorite to claim another district crown and start its climb back to the state final four — after losing to eventual champions Boca Raton High in the semifinals last season. However, the Wolverines route this season is a bit trickier, because they likely will have to get past Lake Nona High, Celebration High and Centennial High to get out of Region 2.
MaxPreps Class 2A ranking: No. 8
Best results: 1-0 win vs. Bishop Moore (19-3-2); 4-0 win at Foundation Academy (12-1-1); 3-0 win at Orangewood Christian (8-3-1)
Player to watch: Nicolas Parra, Junior
Accounting for more than one-third of the Lakers’ offensive production, with 11 goals and three assists, Parra is crucial to helping a defensive-minded WPS team get ahead on the scoresheet.
Postseason Outlook
After beating both Foundation Academy and The First Academy in the regular season, plus home-field advantage throughout districts, it’s safe to say the Lakers are the heavy favorites to win the Class 2A, District 6 title and put themselves in a good position for a run in regionals. Led by its defense, WPS only has allowed 10 goals in its 15 games this season, including nine clean sheets. To get past 2A heavy hitters, Holy Trinity Episcopal and The Benjamin School, and make a run in Region 2, the Lakers will need to keep that stellar play up.
MaxPreps Class 2A ranking: No. 30
Best results: 2-0 win vs. Windermere (8-5-2); 2-2 tie vs. Windermere Prep (3-5-5)
Player to watch: Camryn Clements, Senior
The Lions captain has been phenomenal in the attacking third of the pitch this season, scoring 16 goals and dishing out 23 assists.
Postseason Outlook
With a goal differential of +65, the Lady Lions have been masterful on both sides of the pitch — scoring an average of 5.4 goals per game. Although Foundation has dominated its opponents and is the favorite to win the Class 2A, District 6 title, Windermere Prep will pose a significant threat to the Lions district title hopes.
MaxPreps Class 7A ranking: No. 45
Best results: 5-0 win vs. Jones (8-7); 5-0 win at Windermere (8-5-2)
Player to watch: Isabella Harry, Senior
Not only is Harry Olympia’s top offensive player — scoring 10 goals and assisting three more — she is also one of the few veteran voices on this extremely young Titans team.
Postseason Outlook
Coming off a 4-10-2 season in 2023-24 and with only three seniors on its roster, this young Olympia High team has come out of nowhere to be in a position to compete for a District 5 championship and earn a spot in the regional playoffs. Although the Titans have a good chance of clinching their berth into the state playoffs with a district title win, they will face stiff competition from top seed East Ridge High.
MaxPreps Class 7A ranking: No. 19
Best results: 7-0 win at East Ridge (9-4-2); 5-0 win vs. Olympia (11-3); 5-0 win vs. Edgewater (7-6-3); 5-1 win vs. Hagerty (8-5-1)
Player to watch: Georgiana McNeil, Senior
A four-year starter and University of St. Thomas signee, McNeil has led the Warriors in goals scored in three of her four seasons as a Lady Warrior. Her play in attack is one of the reasons for West Orange High’s success.
Postseason Outlook
The West Orange Warriors have easily been the area’s top team in 2024-25, they’re also the area’s hottest team entering the district playoffs — winning four consecutive games by a combined scoreline of 33-2. Overall, the Warriors have scored 65 goals in their 13 games this season and are undefeated at home. Although the Warriors have a shot to win the District 3 crown, the hosting Lake Mary Rams are the favorites.
