Victory Christian, Lakeland Christian advance to state soccer tournament

Victory Christian scores late to beat rival All Saints, while Lakeland Christian holds off Berkeley Prep

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Victory Christian senior Chiara Domico made several key saves in goal to keep All Saints off the scoreboard, and Sylvia Rodriguez scored the game-winning goal in the final 20 seconds to lift Victory Christian to a 1-0 victory in the Class 1A, Region 2 final. Meanwhile, Lakeland Christian freshman Allie Williams scored two first-half goals to lead the Vikings to a 2-1 win over Berkeley Prep in the Class 2A, Region 3 final, advancing Lakeland Christian to the state tournament for the 15th consecutive year.

Why it matters

These victories for Victory Christian and Lakeland Christian continue the strong soccer tradition in Polk County, with both programs regularly competing for state championships. The close nature of the matches also highlights the competitiveness of high school soccer in Florida, where even the top teams must battle to advance.

The details

In the Class 1A, Region 2 final, Victory Christian's Chiara Domico, a transplant from West Virginia who had never played high school soccer before this season, made several crucial saves to keep All Saints off the scoreboard. With time running out, Sylvia Rodriguez scored the game-winning goal on a rebound off her own free kick to lift Victory Christian to the 1-0 victory. In the Class 2A, Region 3 final, Lakeland Christian freshman Allie Williams scored two first-half goals about a minute apart to give the Vikings a 2-1 lead, which they would hold on to defeat Berkeley Prep and advance to the state tournament for the 15th consecutive year under coach Jason Streets.

  • With about 20 seconds remaining in regulation, Sylvia Rodriguez scored the game-winning goal for Victory Christian.
  • Allie Williams scored two goals about a minute apart in the first half to give Lakeland Christian a 2-1 lead.

The players

Chiara Domico

A senior goalkeeper for Victory Christian who made several key saves to keep All Saints off the scoreboard.

Sylvia Rodriguez

A senior for Victory Christian who scored the game-winning goal in the final 20 seconds to lift her team to victory.

Allie Williams

A freshman for Lakeland Christian who scored two first-half goals to lead her team to a 2-1 win over Berkeley Prep.

Jason Streets

The head coach of Lakeland Christian, who has led the Vikings to the state tournament 15 years in a row.

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What they’re saying

“This is we've been working so hard for this, especially from the last game (district final) that we lost. We were devoting everything to this game and for everybody. I feel like this game was a really personal one for me too because All Saints have always been our rivals, and even whenever Coach D was here, we would never beat them.”

— Sylvia Rodriguez, Victory Christian senior

“She found a way to get a goalkeeper coach, and all the stuff she's done in one year is amazing. She's a great teammate, dedicated, and it took a minute. She was very stiff and robotic, and now she's loose and confident, so she earned it.”

— Jamie Lemmond, Victory Christian assistant coach

“I'm in shock. I'll be honest, I'm in such shock. I'm so excited.”

— Jason Streets, Lakeland Christian head coach

What’s next

Victory Christian will play powerhouse Orange Park St. Johns Country Day in the Class 1A state semifinals on Friday, which happens to be Sylvia Rodriguez's birthday. Lakeland Christian will face King's Academy in the Class 2A state semifinals on Tuesday.

The takeaway

These victories showcase the strength of high school soccer in Polk County, with two programs - Victory Christian and Lakeland Christian - continuing their long histories of success and advancing to the state tournament. The close nature of the matches also underscores the competitiveness of the sport in Florida, where even the top teams must battle to reach the final four.