Harmony’s soccer season did not start off well. Through eight games, the Longhorns were 1-5-2 and struggling to find any type of rhythm.
That changed dramatically when transfer Alejandro Echevarria was cleared to play on Dec. 12 against Poinciana. On that day, he netted two goals in a 4-3 win and Harmony’s soccer’s fortunes began changing for the better.
Harmony went 8-3-1 the rest of the season as Echevarria netted a county-leading 17 goals and five assists in just 11 games played.
For his outstanding play, Echevarria was named the Osceola News-Gazette Boys Soccer Player of the Year.
“It’s an absolute honor but one I share with my teammates,” Echevarria says. “From the first day they accepted me and we had chemistry. Success doesn’t happen without that acceptance.”
“There’s no question that he deserves the honor,” Harmony Coach Brett Ballard said. “He stepped in and turned our entire season around.”
Echevarria is one of four Longhorns selected to the News Gazette’s All-County team. He is joined by defender Mathew Cardenas, midfielder Kikota Lubulu (2 goals and 12 assists) and goalie Ryan Shadeck (12 shutouts).
Gateway finished the season with a county-best 12-3-4 mark and advanced to the FHSAA Class 5A, Region 2 title game. Along the way the Panthers upset top regional seed New Smyrna Beach on the road.
For his long run in the playoffs, coach Sager Patel earns Coach of the Year honors for a second straight year. Head coach since 2016, Patel has posted an impressive 48-15-6 record in his last four seasons for Gateway.
“Really appreciate the honor, but any success we have had has been because of the great support of my assistant coaches and athletics director Travis James,” Patel said. “They have been the best in building our program.”
All-County Boys Soccer
Player of the Year: Alejandro Echevarria, Harmony
All County Team: Gateway: Jesus Linares, Luis Moreno, Adrian Rodriguez (16 goals, 4 assist), Augusto Bustamante.
Harmony: Mathew Cardenas, Kikota Lubulu (12 assists), Ryan Shadeck (12 shutouts).
Celebratrion: Joao Oliveria (5 goals, 4 assists), Fabian Pereira (5 goals, 5 assists), Diego Unda (6 goals, 2 assists)
Tohopekaliga: Antonio Quintana (5 goals) and Santiago Guedez (4 goals)
St. Cloud: Jeremidave Velez Santos
Poinciana: Jhan Urritia (15 goals)
Osceola: Malcolm Paez
Coach of the Year: Sagar Patel, Gateway
