The Cocoa Beach High School boys soccer team has reached the 3A state semifinals for the first time in program history. The Minutemen will face Downtown Doral at 6:30 p.m. on Friday at the Florida State Soccer Complex in Orlando. This marks a major milestone for the team and the Brevard County community.
Coach Mark Thompson said the team’s success stems from consistent effort during the season. 'We’ve worked on defense and midfield transitions all year,' he said. 'This is a testament to the players’ dedication.' The Minutemen finished the regular season with a 14-3-2 record and won their regional bracket with a 3-1 victory over Satellite High School.
The semifinals matchup will be the first between Cocoa Beach and Downtown Doral since 2018. The two teams have a history of competitive games, with Downtown Doral holding a 4-2 edge in their previous meetings. Local fans are already planning trips to Orlando, with some families booking hotel rooms weeks in advance.
Community members have rallied behind the team. A donation drive at the Cocoa Beach Public Library raised over $2,000 for team gear. 'This is for our kids,' said library director Lisa Martinez. 'They’re representing our city, and we want to support them.' The school district has also reserved buses for students traveling to the semifinals.
The winner of Friday’s game will advance to the state championship on Saturday. The final will be broadcast live on ESPN 98.9 FM. For local fans unable to attend, the Cocoa Beach High School gym will show the game on a large screen with free refreshments provided by the PTA.