Although she was already a lethal scorer in her first two seasons at Harmony, junior striker Gabriella Guzman took it to the next level this past year, scoring 20 goals for the Longhorns and leading the team to familiar heights—Orange Belt Conference and district championships.
Guzman, the Osceola News-Gazette Girls Soccer Player of the Year, has now netted more than 60 goals in her career. The Longhorns went 13-6-1 overall— defeating St. Cloud in the OBC championship match, taking the District 7A-7 title with a 1-0 win over Celebration and beating pesky Vero Beach in a regional quarterfinal.
“No question it was a special year for our team and one to remember.” Guzman said. “We had a great group of senior leaders and it was one of the most relaxed and fun teams I have ever played on. I was just happy I was able to contribute to our success. My favorite moments were the OBC and district championship wins, as well as the first regional game. Not just because we won, but because they were so close, hard-fought and competitive games and I think they were great examples of how a team can and should play together.”
“Gabriella had an absolutely tremendous season for us,” Coach Scott Marlega said. “We moved her up front this year and also played her at center mid(field) to get her more opportunities to get the ball on her foot. She took advantage of those opportunities. She is a great player and team leader and we are looking forward to seeing where her abilities take both her and the team next season.”
Guzman, who started playing soccer at age 3 and was on her first team a year later, says she is looking forward to her senior season and beyond.
“I’m looking forward to helping Harmony finish on a high note. We have a lot of talent back and our goal is to not only repeat as OBC and District champions but advance further in the state playoffs. I definitely want to play at the next level and have been in contact with some schools. I will be looking for the best fit to continue my career.”
All-County Girls Soccer:
Player of the Year: Gabriella Guzman, Jr., Harmony
Coach of the Year: Rebecca Camis, Celebration
All County Team: Harmony—Kendyll Linscott, Sr., MF; Machaela Looper, Soph., D; Faith Hizer, Soph., GK; Celebration—Anna Balba, Sr., F; Ellie Armstrong, Sr., F; Oriana Moreno, Jr., MF; Jenna Mitchell, Soph., D; Tohopekaliga—Natalie Ocampo, Soph., F; Andrea Marin Mendez, So., MF; St. Cloud—Victoria Pare, Sr., MF; Gateway—Jariana Hernandez Nieves, Sr., D;
Honorable Mention: Madison Haney, Sr., Tohopekaliga; Meaghan Cannata, Jr., St. Cloud; Natalie Noguiera, Sr., Poinciana; Ava Duval, Sr., Harmony; Emily Cannata, Jr., St. Cloud; Catalina Maldonaldo, So., Tohopekaliga; Samantha Penuela, Jr., Gateway; Isabella Pettit, Sr., Osceola; Valentina Rodriguez, Jr., Osceola.
