Canterbury boys, girls soccer teams reach state semifinals

Cougars boys and girls teams advance to final four in Class 1A

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Canterbury boys and girls soccer teams both punched their tickets to the state semifinals on Friday, with the boys defeating Saint Stephen's 2-0 and the girls edging Out-of-Door Academy 3-2 in the Class 1A regional finals. The Cougars boys team is making its second straight trip to the final four, while the girls are returning for the first time since 2021.

Why it matters

Canterbury's deep playoff runs in both boys and girls soccer showcase the strength of the school's soccer programs and their ability to consistently compete at the highest levels in Florida. The Cougars' success also highlights the growth of high school soccer in the Naples area, with both teams reaching the state semifinals.

The details

In the boys game, Canterbury took advantage of transition opportunities, with sophomore Mathias Perez assisting on goals by senior James Tomlinson and Perez himself. The Cougars' defense also stifled the high-powered Saint Stephen's attack. On the girls side, freshmen Gloriana Chalkias and Mia Accola gave Canterbury a 2-0 lead, but Out-of-Door Academy rallied to tie it before seventh-grader Kenley Peters scored the game-winner in the 63rd minute.

  • The boys regional final took place on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • The girls regional final also took place on Friday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Jared Rust

Head coach of the Canterbury boys soccer team.

Oisin Crean

Head coach of the Saint Stephen's boys soccer team.

Paolo Acosta

Head coach of the Canterbury girls soccer team.

Megan Nugent

First-year head coach of the Out-of-Door Academy girls soccer team.

Gloriana Chalkias

Freshman forward for the Canterbury girls soccer team who scored two goals in the regional final.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We had prepared. We played it the way that we wanted to play it. I thought we executed one of our best games defensively in the middle third. I thought we were super organized, and it paid off.”

— Jared Rust, Canterbury boys soccer head coach (naplesnews.com)

“We're immensely proud. This has been our goal since last season. Last year, we fell short in the regional final so we just carried that goal over.”

— Paolo Acosta, Canterbury girls soccer head coach (naplesnews.com)

“I love playing with her; every time she sends me the ball. I just feel so confident. We definitely have a strong connection off the field.”

— Gloriana Chalkias (naplesnews.com)

What’s next

The Canterbury boys and girls soccer teams will both compete in the Class 1A state semifinals next week in Auburndale, Florida.

The takeaway

Canterbury's deep playoff runs in both boys and girls soccer showcase the strength of the school's soccer programs and their ability to consistently compete at the highest levels in Florida. The Cougars' success also highlights the growth of high school soccer in the Naples area, with both teams reaching the state semifinals.