Last-minute goal from Guzman clinches 2-1 win; boys tournament to be settled Thursday
The dynasty continues for Harmony High School, as the Longhorns captured their 12th OBC girls soccer championship in dramatic fashion, defeating St. Cloud with a last-minute goal in a thrilling 2-1 victory Friday to Tohopekaliga High School to defend their title.
Gateway, Harmony, Tohopekaliga and Celebration are still in the running for the boys' title, which will be settled Thursday after Tuesday night's semifinals.
Following the third-place, match, won by 2022 OBC champions Celebration in 1-0 fashion over Tohopekaliga, the championship match began with St. Cloud displaying fearless soccer, undaunted by Harmony's impressive championship pedigree. Midway through the second half, Alexis Ceballos stunned the defending champions by converting a set piece from the right side, putting the Bulldogs (4-5) ahead 1-0.
Undaunted, Harmony (7-3-1) showcased the resilience that has made it the conference's dominant force. With just 11 minutes remaining, Jadyn Frost ignited her team's comeback, finding the far post with a precise shot to level the score at 1-1.
The equalizer energized Harmony, but St. Cloud refused to back down, pressing forward in search of its first title since 2019. As the clock wound down in the final minute, Harmony's Gabriella Guzman created magic. Receiving the ball on the right side, she drove forward and unleashed a powerful shot that found the back of the net with just 35 seconds remaining, sending the Harmony supporters into euphoria.
"The team showed heart, effort, energy and never-say-die attitude," said Harmony's Head Coach Scott Marlega after the match. "The girls worked hard all season and this was the goal to win the OBC final. They trusted in the team.”
While St. Cloud, under Coach Alejandro Sanchez, displayed promising signs for the future, this evening belonged to Harmony. Their remarkable comeback victory exemplified the championship mentality that has established them as the conference's most successful program.
The match, though physical and intense, showcased the exceptional skill level from both sides. But in the end, it was Guzman's heroics that wrote another thrilling chapter in Harmony's storied championship history.
BOYS' OBC: Monday, Gateway defeated Liberty, 8-0; Harmony took down St. Cloud, 2-0; Celebration beat Poinciana, 4-1; and Tohopekaliga outlasted Osceola, 3-2, in overtime.
Those results set up Tuesday's semifinals at 7 p.m.: Gateway hosts Harmony and Celebration welcomes Tohopekaliga. Liberty-St. Cloud (at Gateway) and Poinciana-Osceola (at Celebration) will be at 5 p.m., the winners will play in Thursday's 5th place game at the higher seed.
Tuesday's winners play in Thursday's championship game at Liberty at 7 p.m., after the 3rd place game among Tuesday's losers at 5.
