Palmer Trinity girls' soccer falls short in state title game

Falcons lose in penalty kicks after scoreless regulation and overtime

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Palmer Trinity girls' soccer team came up just short of winning their first state championship, falling to West Palm Beach Kings Academy 0-0 (5-4 on penalty kicks) in the Class 2A state title game. The game went to sudden death penalty kicks after two halves of scoreless regulation play and two rounds of scoreless overtime.

Why it matters

This was Palmer Trinity's second state runner-up finish in program history, with the previous one coming in 2012. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the Falcons' deep playoff run and appearance in the state championship game is a major accomplishment for the program and its nine graduating seniors.

The details

After the first round of penalty kicks ended 3-3, the second session went to sudden death. Kings Academy senior midfielder Sofia Cuento scored the deciding goal to give her team the state title. Palmer Trinity got penalty kick goals from Arianna Adessi, Carolina Egea Guimaraes, Lila Algarin, and Sofia Camacho in the shootout.

  • The Class 2A state title game took place on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.
  • Palmer Trinity advanced to the state final after defeating Jacksonville Providence School 8-0 in the semifinals on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

Effie Dieke

The head coach of the Palmer Trinity girls' soccer team.

Scarlett Baur

A senior striker for Palmer Trinity who is committed to play at Northeastern University.

Lila Algarin

A Palmer Trinity player who is committed to play at Albany.

Sofia Cuento

A senior midfielder for West Palm Beach Kings Academy who scored the decisive penalty kick goal.

Kings Academy

The West Palm Beach high school that won the Class 2A girls' soccer state championship.

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What they’re saying

“We came out strong like we have in our other games, but the difference is we ran into a heck of a goaltender. The keeper was big for them in the first half and obviously big for them in the PK shootout.”

— Effie Dieke, Palmer Trinity head coach (Miami Herald)

“In the beginning of the game we were getting chances. I thought our momentum was building up, and we were going to put one in the back of the net. As the half ended, I kind of realized the game was stretching on, and it was getting harder and harder to finish in the second half.”

— Scarlett Baur, Palmer Trinity senior striker (Miami Herald)

“We were just trying to lock them down at midfield. We were trying to get some through-balls and get one in the box. I think we did the best we could. Our teams are kind of similar so it was a good fight.”

— Lila Algarin, Palmer Trinity player (Miami Herald)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.