MIA Boys Top Seed in District

While they missed a conference title in a 2-1 heartbreaker at Donahue Catholic on January 22, the Marco Island Academy boys soccer team had plenty to be happy about. A home win over Mason Classical Academy, 3-1, in the Paradise Coast Athletic Conference semi-final on January 21 was one bright spot - another was the team's top seed going into this week’s district playoffs. 

Mason Classical, who had just lost 6-0 to MIA five days earlier, was a tough out for the Rays. 

"A little tighter game this time,” said Fernando Higuera, Rays coach. "Apparently, they didn't have two of their players last game, then they came back. But we still won and we still did well. I just trusted my guys and they did an amazing job.” 

The Rays couldn’t quite turn the trick against Donahue in the conference finale. 

“We were close,” Higuera said. "We did not start well, they scored two goals and like 15 minutes before the end we scored one and almost tied it at the end. I am proud of this team, it was cold and not the best conditions to play, but we did well.” 

Against Mason Classical the Rays did all their scoring in the first half, then held on. 

“The second half was more competitive,” Higuera said. "It was more intense from both sides. I didn't feel that we lost control of the game. We just had to wait for them and counterattack.” 

The Rays opened 1A District 12 play on Monday, January 27, against Village School, who defeated St. John Neumann to advance to the district semi-final. As top seed, the Rays have the opportunity to host throughout the district tournament. The Rays are looking for their first district championship in school history. Higuera likes his team’s chances in the district tournament. The district final is scheduled for Thursday, January 30. Higuera said if his team’s fortunate enough to make Thursday’s district final they will have earned it. 

“We're going to have really hard competition,” Higuera said. “As a freshman team, I think we have a shot this year. I think we have a really good chance next year. For sure the next couple of years we will absolutely win it. " 

Many of Higuera’s players were teammates growing up together in the competitive Mexi League. 

“We just need to grow a little bit,” he said. "There's only one senior, two juniors, two sophomores. The rest are freshmen. We're good. I think was can be the best soccer team that MIA has ever had."