(This story has been updated to add new information.)
Before Camila Adame takes the next step in her journey toward the Women’s World Cup in Brazil, she’s got unfinished business in Northeast Florida.
Adame leaped to head the only goal, keeping two-time champion Creekside on track with a 1-0 victory over Flagler Palm Coast in the Florida High School Athletic Association Region 1-7A girls soccer quarterfinals on Feb. 5.
The Knights (11-2-3) had beaten FPC 5-0 in the District 1-7A tournament a week earlier but endured long stretches of frustration against Bulldogs senior goalkeeper Natalie Neal, who delivered an elite performance.
Neal flew here, there and everywhere, saving well over a dozen shots from a Creekside shooting gallery as Jaclyn Bessman, Savannah Hartford, Khloe Roberts and Gabi Camero bombarded the net. But Creekside got its breakthrough in the 34th minute when Adame aimed a header inside the opposite post in a scramble following a Knights corner.
For Adame, who scored her sixth goal this season, her exploits are making waves beyond the First Coast.
Later this month, she is scheduled to join Puerto Rico’s full women’s national team for two qualifying matches on Feb. 27 and March 2, which could lead to the CONCACAF W Championship and ultimately, perhaps, to the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Creekside keeper Sarah Dresback extinguished FPC’s best chance before halftime, denying Katherine Ouellette on a breakaway to clinch the shutout and set up a Feb. 11 home playoff against Winter Park.
REGION 1-6A
Reigning champion Bartram Trail left no doubt in its playoff opener, 5-0 over Lake Minneola (14-2-3). The Bears (14-2-4) racked up four goals before halftime, with two each from Layla Davis and Kaitlin Cobbin along with a long-distance rocket from senior fullback Kate Kirby.
Nease turned the tables to come out on top in another low-scoring matchup against Tocoi Creek, winning 1-0 on Alana Hornberger’s goal off a Rhea Surage assist. The Toros (9-7-3) had edged Nease 1-0 in districts. Next up for Nease (13-4-2) is a Feb. 11 road trip to No. 1 seed Niceville.
REGION 1-5A
Central defender Lulu Consunji scored two more goals and national No. 1 Ponte Vedra (14-0-2) kept three-peat hopes alive, winning 3-0 against visiting St. Augustine (9-6-3). Katie DeVincentis also found the net for the Sharks, who advance to a Feb. 11 home game against Lynn Haven Mosley or Gulf Breeze.
Beachside (12-3-2) also zoomed into the second round, netting twice before halftime to win 3-0 over Fleming Island (7-9-2).
They will next meet Tallahassee Chiles (12-3-1), which halted Clay’s run 5-0 in the state capital. The Blue Devils end at 10-4-2.
REGION 1-4A
Top seed Bishop Kenny broke out in a hurry and coasted to an 8-0 shutout of Crystal River (9-8-2) along the St. Johns River. The Crusaders (15-3) move on to a second-round playoff on Feb. 11.
Their next game comes against Wakulla (14-7), which won 1-0 against Menendez. The Falcons’ year ends at 5-8-5.
Stanton’s season ended in the Panhandle with a 3-2 loss at Fort Walton Beach (10-9-3). Stanton finishes at 6-14.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Creekside, Ponte Vedra among girls soccer winners. Who’s up next?
Reporting by Clayton Freeman, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
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