- November 4, 2024
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The fourth time was the charm for the Bulldogs (20-4-1), who defeated the Mandarin Mustangs (ranked fourth in the state) 4-2, in the Region 1-5A semifinals match on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at Flagler Palm Coast High School.
After three consecutive years of being knocked out by the Mustangs, head coach Reg Monsanto called the win a “big, big sigh of relief.”
Jeff St. Val scored the first two goals for the Bulldogs, keeping them a goal ahead of Mandarin, after the Mustangs tied the game in just 14 seconds into the second half.
Neild Joseph, who’s usually one of the shortest but fastest players on the field, broke away from the pack to put FPC up 3-1 with just over 25 minutes remaining in the match. After Mandarin scored to pull within a goal, Nate Monsanto headed in a goal to put the game out of reach and secure the Bulldogs a spot in the regional championship for the first time in 14 years. Nate Monsanto and Stanley Joseph each had an assist, and Neild Joseph assisted on two scores.
“They’re enjoying the winning; it’s getting contagious,” Coach Monsanto said. “But, they’re all grounded enough to know that this can’t be the highlight of the season.When the playoffs started, we have seven games to win.
We won the district, which was three games, and then we had five games to win. Now, we just won these last two, so now we have three games. Our scoring has been spread out over the team, and everyone is contributed, and I think everyone feels like they’re a part of it, and I think that shows on the field.”
Making a return back in the regional championship, the Bulldogs will play West Orange at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, in Winter Garden.
