Boys’ Soccer Wins Class 4A State Championship

Gulliver’s varsity boys’ soccer team captured its first state title since 2015 on Thursday, February 27, 2020, defeating Mariner High School, 4-3, in double overtime in DeLand, Florida.

The Raiders pulled off the ultimate comeback to win the FHSAA Class 4A State Championship, finding themselves trailing by one goal late in the second half. Then, with 13 minutes remaining in regulation, Sebastian Paz ’20 connected for a game-tying goal to force overtime.

After 14 minutes of overtime play, Cole Ritzenthaler ’20 got a deep pass down low to Jaime Perez-Bedmar ’20, who knocked in the game-winning goal for the Raiders. “When it went in, it was an unbelievable feeling. All we know how to do is keep battling. There is no quit in us and there wasn’t tonight,” said Perez-Bedmar.

Led by second-year Head Coach Chris Bart-Williams, Gulliver ends its season with a record of 15-7-4.

The state crown marks the seventh in varsity boys’ soccer history and the 61st championship overall for Gulliver Athletics.