BREAKING: In a stunning upset, the underdog Victory Christian shattered the dreams of 15-time champions St. Johns Country Day with a 3-1 victory in the semifinals of the 2026 FHSAA Class 1A Girls Soccer Championships, held at Lake Myrtle Sports Complex. This match, which took place on Friday afternoon, is being hailed as one of the biggest upsets in Polk County girls soccer history.
Victory Christian, a first-time finalist ranked No. 6 in the FHSAA Class 1A power rankings, overcame an early setback when St. Johns scored in the 11th minute. Freshman sensation Kinley Hunter turned the tide with two crucial goals, propelling her team to victory. The Storm’s triumph is significant, marking the first time since 2023 that a Polk County team has defeated St. Johns in a tournament setting.
Victory Christian’s head coach, Grace Kelly, who was on maternity leave but present on the bench, praised her players. “I can’t even put it into words,” she remarked. “They showed incredible mental toughness against some of the best players we’ve seen.”
The match was defined by a remarkable shift in momentum. Senior Sylvia Rodriguez, celebrating her 18th birthday, assisted the first goal by connecting with Hunter, who skillfully navigated past St. Johns goalkeeper Olivia Bishop. “We were ready,” Rodriguez stated. “We brushed off the first goal. It was a flimsy goal, and we adapted. I love this team. We work for each other.”
Victory Christian’s confidence grew with each passing minute. The game-winner came with less than 12 minutes on the clock when a free kick bounced off the crossbar, allowing Hunter to score on the rebound. Senior co-captain Hayden Fullwood emphasized the team’s defensive focus during the match, stating, “We had to lock down our defense and keep everything out.”
The Storm capped off their remarkable performance with a third goal in the final minutes, showcasing their relentless spirit. Olivia Enechkwu netted her 12th goal of the season after a chaotic sequence in the box, sealing the stunning 3-1 victory for Victory Christian.
Victory Christian, now with a record of 14-7, is set to face No. 2 Canterbury in the championship game at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Canterbury advanced with a decisive 4-0 win over Berean Christian.
Fans and supporters are buzzing with excitement as they prepare for the championship showdown. The atmosphere surrounding this match is electric, making it a must-watch event for high school soccer enthusiasts and local communities alike.
As the final whistle blew, the players celebrated their monumental victory, marking a new chapter in Victory Christian’s soccer history. What happens next will be closely watched as they strive for the ultimate prize in girls soccer.
