Cocoa Beach Boys Soccer Advances to 3A State Semifinals

Minutemen Defeat Higher-Seeded Opponents to Reach Final Four

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Cocoa Beach Minutemen boys soccer team has secured their first-ever region title and a place in the Class 3A state semifinals. As the No. 5 seed in Region 3A-2, the Minutemen have defied expectations, upsetting higher-ranked opponents to reach this stage. They now face a formidable challenge against No. 1 Downtown Doral in the state semifinals on Thursday, February 19th.

Why it matters

Cocoa Beach's unexpected playoff run has captured the attention of the local community and high school soccer fans across the state. The team's ability to overcome challenges and defeat higher-seeded opponents has established them as a team to watch in the Class 3A state championship race.

The details

The Minutemen began their playoff journey with a win over Tampa Catholic. They then stunned No. 1 Lake Highland Prep, last year's state runner-up, in the regional semifinals, winning on penalty kicks. Their momentum continued with a narrow victory over Calvary Chapel, sealed by a game-winning goal from Javier Loza in the final seconds of the regional final. Cocoa Beach now faces a tough matchup against Downtown Doral, who reached the semifinals by defeating Cardinal Gibbons, MAST Academy, and SLAM Miami.

  • The Cocoa Beach vs. Downtown Doral state semifinal match will be played on Thursday, February 19th at 7 p.m.
  • Cocoa Beach secured their first-ever region title earlier this month.

The players

Jadyn Senger

The senior leads the Cocoa Beach offense with 29 goals and 14 assists this season.

Javier Loza

Contributed 9 goals and 2 assists for the Minutemen, including the game-winning goal in the regional final.

Eduardo Jerez

One of the leading scorers for Downtown Doral with 10 goals.

Santiago Ramos

Also has 10 goals for the Downtown Doral Dolphins this season.

Gianluca Tortolani

Downtown Doral's leading playmaker with 13 assists.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The winner of the Cocoa Beach vs. Downtown Doral semifinal match will advance to the Class 3A state championship game on Saturday, February 21st.

The takeaway

Cocoa Beach's unexpected playoff run has captivated the local community and established the Minutemen as a team to watch in the Class 3A state championship race. Their ability to overcome challenges and defeat higher-seeded opponents has set the stage for an intriguing semifinal matchup against the top-ranked Downtown Doral Dolphins.