Pines Charter boys upset top-ranked Tampa Jesuit in state semifinals

Goalkeeper Mateo Vasquez's clutch saves in penalty kicks propel underdog Jaguars to victory

Mar. 3, 2026 at 6:47am

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In a stunning upset, the Pines Charter boys soccer team defeated top-ranked Tampa Jesuit in the state semifinals, with goalkeeper Mateo Vasquez making two crucial saves in the penalty kick shootout to secure the victory for the underdog Jaguars.

Why it matters

This victory marks a major accomplishment for the Pines Charter program, which was not expected to reach this stage of the state tournament. The win over the heavily favored Tampa Jesuit squad showcases the talent and resilience of the Jaguars team.

The details

After the teams played to a draw through regulation and overtime, the semifinal match came down to a penalty kick shootout. Pines Charter goalkeeper Mateo Vasquez stepped up and made two key saves to give his team the edge, allowing the Jaguars to advance to the state championship game.

  • The state semifinal match took place on February 28, 2026.

The players

Mateo Vasquez

The goalkeeper for the Pines Charter Jaguars who made the clutch saves in the penalty kick shootout to lead his team to victory.

Pines Charter Jaguars

The underdog high school boys soccer team that pulled off the upset win over top-ranked Tampa Jesuit in the state semifinals.

Tampa Jesuit

The heavily favored high school boys soccer team that was upset by Pines Charter in the state semifinals.

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What they’re saying

“Our guys showed so much heart and determination today. I'm so proud of how they fought and believed in themselves to pull off this huge win.”

— Pines Charter Head Coach

What’s next

Pines Charter will now advance to the state championship game, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal match.

The takeaway

This victory demonstrates the power of perseverance and teamwork, as the underdog Pines Charter squad was able to overcome the odds and defeat a heavily favored opponent to reach the state title game.