2A girls soccer: Tampa Prep gets combo of luck, skill to reach state semis

Tampa Prep girls soccer coach Cindy Schofield was quick to admit that the goal that propelled the Terps to their third state tournament berth in as many years might have been a fluke. But at this point in the season, even the best teams need a lucky bounce.

The Terrapins (17-5-4) defeated host West Palm Beach King's Academy 1-0 in Friday night's Class 2A region final, earning a trip to the state tournament at UT's Pepin Stadium, just a long goal kick away from Tampa Prep's campus.

The Terps will play Tallahassee Maclay on Thursday in the semifinals.

The win came on junior midfielder Mackenzie Logan's goal in the 58th minute. Logan lofted a kick over the top, intending to feed leading scorer Colby Maffei, but King's keeper stepped up, the ball hit a wet spot and bounced over her head into goal.

What wasn't luck was how the Terrapins defense shut down the Lions (18-6) and their vaunted front line. Tampa Prep held seniors Andrea Jefferson, who entered with 26 goals, and Duke recruit Gilda Doria in check. Schofield credited outside backs Amber Miller and Lauren Knoke with shutting down the duo.

Her team peaking at the right time, Schofield, who is in her first season as Tampa Prep coach after serving as an assistant, is excited for another trip to states.

"This was a huge confidence boost for us," she said. "…There's something about this team, they're motivated this year more than any other year."