St. Thomas Aquinas goalkeeper Aimee Colson made two crucial saves in the second half to preserve a 2-0 lead against Viera in the Class 6A girls soccer state semifinals on February 23, 2026. The game, held at a state tournament venue in Orlando, marked the first time the two Brevard County rivals met in a state playoff match. St. Thomas Aquinas will now face the winner of the other semifinal between Lake Highland and Lake Nona in the championship on February 27.
The Saints struck first in the 28th minute when Camilla Velez converted a cross from Madison McKeon inside the box. Viera’s defense struggled to contain St. Thomas Aquinas’ midfield pressure throughout the first half, with Addison Zintzmaster drawing a foul on Katerina Thomas that led to a free kick just outside the penalty area. The Saints capitalized again in the 64th minute when Claudia Timmer Rodriguez’s shot deflected off a Viera defender and rolled into the net.
Viera goalkeeper Cassidy Kirkley kept the game close with a diving stop in the 52nd minute, but the Tigers could not equalize despite several chances. Riley Robinson headed away a potential equalizer in the 78th minute, and Eva McMenemy-Hoang was fouled near the penalty spot in stoppage time. St. Thomas Aquinas coach Sarah Mitchell praised her team’s discipline, noting they “executed our game plan without hesitation.”
The win continues St. Thomas Aquinas’ dominance in Brevard County soccer, with the program reaching its fourth consecutive state final. Viera, making its first appearance in a semifinal since 2021, ends its season with a 19-4-2 record. The championship will be played at the same Orlando venue, with tickets available for purchase starting Monday.