Key West and Coral Shores both enjoyed hard-fought successes this season, each winning their home game against their Keys competitor. Both had winning records, Coral Shores finishing 12-6 while Key West ended 9-7. The teams took different routes in the district brackets, setting up what could have been an epic battle for the title, but both fell in the semifinals, giving fans a bit of a wait before the squads face off again.
MVP
Brock Bynum
Junior, Coral Shores
Goalkeeper
Junior Brock Bynum led the district in every single statistic for keepers this season, and his presence on the field gave the Hurricanes the confidence needed to roll over a dozen teams – two by shutout. His 223 saves equated to a .701 save percentage and his 5.5 goals against average was 10th in 1A, 18th in Florida and 83rd in the nation. His save percentage was 40th nationally, 11th in the state and fifth in Florida’s 1A. Bynun won the team MVP award and the respect of every opponent Coral Shores faced. “His season was highlighted with some big-time saves at the biggest moments,” said coach Chris Carrow. “One of the top seasons for a goalie in our program history. We expect him to be even better his senior year.”
Reed Tudor
Senior, Coral Shores
Attacker
Senior Reed Tudor netted 31 goals and assisted on 13 more this season for the ’Canes. “He was a senior leader who had some big games for us this year,” said Carrow of his team’s top scorer.
Lucas Carballo
Senior, Coral Shores
Midfielder
Described as the heart of the Hurricanes’ program, Carballo suffered a season-ending injury, cutting his senior campaign short. Carballo still managed to score 22 goals, assist on 11 more and pick up 30 ground balls. “He was a big-time playmaker and lived for the big moments,” said Carrow. “We will miss him tremendously.”
Yandel Chaguaseda
Senior, Coral Shores
Midfielder
Carrow described midfielder Yandel Chaguaseda as the team’s workhorse, saying it is “hard to find a player who works as hard as Yandel does.” Chaguaseda picked up 100 ground balls, scored 20 goals and assisted on eight others during his senior campaign.
Finn McDonough
Junior, Coral Shores
Midfielder/Defense
Praised for going 100% at all times, Carrow said “you can play (McDonough) at any position and he will excel. He has a motor that doesn’t shut off.” McDonough scored five goals, assisted on six, picked up 76 ground balls and was credited with 35 takeaways. Carrow added that the team will lean heavily on him next season.
Mateo Lopez
Junior, Key West
Goalkeeper
Captain Mateo Lopez logged 218 saves in goal for the Conchs, registering a 56.6% save percentage. Lopez added 33 ground balls to his stats and is revered on his team for his calm demeanor and impeccable work ethic. Coach Alberto Piceno said of Lopez, “The goalie position is arguably the toughest role on the field, and Mateo not only embraces it, he thrives in it. He’s the only one on our team capable of handling its demands, both mentally and physically.”
Brooks Pellicier
Senior, Key West
Attackman
As the only returning senior for the Conchs, Pellicier stepped up this season and led by example, motivating when needed and holding his teammates and himself accountable. The team captain scored 45 goals, assisted on 23 more, picked up 36 ground balls and caused a dozen turnovers during his senior campaign. “I’m excited to see what Brooks will accomplish at the next level, and I’ll genuinely miss his presence, leadership and heart on this team,” said Piceno.
Zack Payne
Junior, Key West
Attackman
Junior Zack Payne netted 39 goals and 16 assists this season, adding 30 ground balls and nine caused turnovers. “His ability to create scoring chances in transition proved just how valuable he was all over the field,” said Piceno. “His teammates recognized this as well, voting him team captain, which says a lot.”
Carlo Vernieri
Sophomore, Key West
Midfielder
Virginia transplant Carlo Vernieri was described by Piceno as “the most complete player on our team, not just in terms of stats like goals and assists, but in his overall impact on every aspect of the game.” Vernieri scored 37 goals, assisted on 25 more, caused 20 turnovers and picked up 68 ground balls this season, and the tenacious sophomore’s game IQ and field vision will serve the Conchs well in the coming seasons.
Kieran Smith
Junior, Key West
Midfielder
Praised for his defensive skills and ability to clear the ball quickly, midfielder Kieran Smith caused 19 turnovers and scooped 72 ground balls this season. Offensively, he scored 15 goals and was credited with six assists. Smith won 78 faceoffs for a 55.3% win percentage, making him an asset all over the field. “Kieran was the kind of player you wanted on the field at all times because when he was out there, you knew we were in good hands,” said Piceno.
