Photos contributed.
Key West was the dominant Keys team this year in boys soccer, beating Marathon twice and splitting against Coral Shores with one win and one tie. The Conchs ended their season with a 12-5-2 record, which included a late-season run deep into the FSHAA 4A playoff bracket. The only thing to stop the Conchs would be an overtime shootout against eventual state champion Gulliver Prep. Though they lose quite a few of their starting lineup, Key West’s bench should be deep enough to repeat their success next season.
Fifty miles up U.S. 1, Marathon ended with a winning 10-9 record, winning a postseason game and gaining momentum for next season during a rebuilding year. The team will lose just four athletes to graduation.
The Coral Shores Hurricanes ended with a 6-7-1 record, including an opening-round playoff win. Coral Shores returns most of its lineup in the fall, making for some exciting in-county play next year.
Congratulations from the Keys Weekly Newspapers to the 2023 All-Keys Boys Soccer Team.
MVP
Jonathan Gvili
Senior, Key West
Midfielder
Key West’s Jonathan Gvili is listed as a midfielder on his team’s roster, but anyone who caught a Conch game this season might have noticed that he was all over the field. The senior two-time captain led his team to the ninth-place spot in the state, scoring at will and defending just as readily. Gvili racked up 21 goals and 9 assists this season and was selected to the Florida Senior All-Star Team. Gvili is described as an extremely hard worker who is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team, filling in for other positions when needed and exuding an infectiously positive leadership style.
Mikail Marshall
Sophomore, Marathon
Midfielder/Forward
Described by coach Kelley Cruz as “a force on the field” and “a man of few words,” Marshall spoke with his play instead. He is one of the fastest players Marathon has seen in years, using that speed to net 11 goals and 1 assist this season.
Henry Herrera
Senior, Marathon
Midfield/Defense
A natural leader, Henry Herrera helped solidify the Dolphins’ defense this season. The senior workhorse shouldered multiple roles when needed, playing as midfielder at times and amassing a dozen goals and 6 assists.
Fabbianho Louis Jeune
Sophomore, Marathon
Defender
Described by his coach as “the backbone of the defensive line,” Fabbianho Louis Jeune was a force for Marathon’s defense. His combined speed and strength are his greatest asset. The multi-skilled defender even managed to score a goal of his own this season.
Oscar Cardona
Sophomore, Marathon
Forward
Cardona scored 10 goals for the Fins this season and was a threat any time he touched the ball. Cruz liked the fresh perspective he brought to Marathon’s game, adding, “It didn’t matter how tired he was, he wanted the ball the very next play.”
Makani Burga
Junior, Coral Shores
Forward
Burga led the ’Canes in scoring this season, carrying the load all the way to the district final game. Described as a hardworking leader, Burga returns to the pitch for one more season next year.
Robert Temkin
Junior, Coral Shores
Midfielder
Temkin made the most of his cross country training this season, transferring his stamina to the soccer field. Described as a dependable player with enormous potential next season, Temkin should help carry the ’Canes deep into playoffs in ’24.
Leo Vazquez
Senior, Coral Shores
Defender
Vazquez was crucial in the Canes’ defense this season, using his expert ball control and precision passing to keep the ball on the other side of the field for much of the game. The senior was a four-year starter for Coral Shores, leaving a big hole in their defenses next season.
Kaiden Weinstock
Senior, Coral Shores
Goalkeeper
Weinstock was a three-year varsity athlete for the ’Canes, earning two shutouts this season and amassing 217 saves. The senior keeper held down Coral Shores’ defense, keeping them in many matches this season.
Jonathan Bahri
Senior, Key West
Forward
Bahri was a four-year varsity player for Key West, scoring 9 goals and adding 8 assists in his senior season. Bahri’s natural leadership commanded as much respect from his teammates as his stealthy shot did from his opponents.
Loubins Fleuridor
Freshman, Key West
Forward
Fleuridor’s greatest asset is his speed, and he isn’t afraid to use it. The freshman forward blazed past defenders, scoring 15 goals and 3 assists this season. The Conchs have not had such a prolific scoring freshman in quite some time, giving cause to hope for a repeat of Key West’s stellar season in coming years.
Smondy Joseph
Senior, Key West
Midfielder
Smondy Joseph brought a lot to his team this season, but his biggest contribution was his energy. The utility-style midfielder scored 1 goal and 3 assists this season and helped control the play and tempo of the game with his energetic style and speed.
Karel Bublak
Senior, Key West
Goalkeeper
The Conchs’ last line of defense proved integral in their deep run into the playoffs. Karel Bublak kept his team in the game in several key matches this season, including a pair of shootouts in district games. Bublak registered three shutouts, and when there wasn’t much action in the net, he made use of his skills on the other side of the field, earning an assist.
Photos contributed.
