The Space Coast boys varsity soccer team dropped their playoff game to Cocoa Beach 3-1 on January 27 at a local field. The loss marks the end of Space Coast's 2023 postseason campaign, with the team finishing the season with a 5-11-1 record. Cocoa Beach, which advanced to the next round with an 8-8-1 overall mark, scored three goals in the first half and held onto the lead for the rest of the match.
The game, part of the state playoffs, was played in front of a small but vocal crowd. Space Coast managed to score once in the second half but couldn't overcome the deficit. Head coach John Martinez said after the game that his team struggled with turnovers in the first half, which led to Cocoa Beach's early goals.
Cocoa Beach's defense limited Space Coast to few scoring chances, with the visitors managing only one shot on goal in the first half. The Minutemen's offense, led by junior forward Ethan Price, capitalized on Space Coast's mistakes. Price scored two goals in the first half, putting Cocoa Beach ahead 3-0 by halftime.
Space Coast's lone goal came in the 62nd minute from senior midfielder Luis Ramirez, who broke free on a counterattack. The Vipers applied pressure in the final 20 minutes but couldn't find the equalizer. Martinez praised Ramirez's effort but acknowledged the team's overall performance fell short.
The loss ends Space Coast's season, which saw the team finish 5-11-1 overall. Cocoa Beach, meanwhile, moves forward with an 8-8-1 record and will face the winner of the next playoff matchup in the following week. The game was the final home playoff match for both teams, with Cocoa Beach's next game set for February 2 at a yet-to-be-determined location.