Florida High School Wins Third Straight Soccer Title

A small Florida high school just cemented a soccer dynasty that nobody saw coming three years ago.

Santa Fe High's boys soccer team defeated Eastside 3-0 on Tuesday night in Alachua, capturing their third consecutive district championship. The win marks the first time in school history the Raiders have achieved a three-peat, and they haven't lost a single district tournament game since coach Morgan Dall'Acqua took over in 2023.

Senior forward Dharma Rico opened scoring in the 11th minute with his fourth goal of the tournament. Just days earlier, Rico scored the first hat trick of his career in the semifinal round and now leads the team in postseason goals.

"My freshman year, we actually lost to Eastside," Rico said. "So smoking them in the districts always feels really great."

The victory became even sweeter when brothers Wayne and Owen Boone connected for the second goal after the 60th minute. Wayne, the senior team captain, converted an assist from his younger brother Owen to extend the lead.

"I told him I freaking love him," Wayne said about the assist. For Wayne, playing alongside family while wearing the Raiders jersey fulfills a lifelong dream.

"My whole life I've wanted to be a Raider," Wayne explained. "This is what it's all about, just being able to play with my family and represent them."

Owen Boone sealed the championship with the final goal, sending Santa Fe back to the state tournament for the third straight season. This time, however, the team's ambitions reach beyond just participating.

The Ripple Effect

The Raiders' success extends beyond trophy cases and championship banners. Coach Dall'Acqua believes his team's pursuit of something bigger than individual glory creates the foundation for lasting achievement.

"I think we have the capacity to be successful because we've got a group of young men that are fighting for themselves and for family," Dall'Acqua said. "When you are playing for something bigger, you have the opportunity to do some pretty special stuff."

The team will likely enter the FHSAA Region 1 tournament as the three seed, hosting a regional quarterfinal match at home. With experience from two previous state tournament appearances, the Raiders believe this year could deliver their deepest playoff run yet.

"It's our third time in regionals, so we have experience," Rico said. "Hopefully this time we can get to the final and take it home."

For a program that's building something special in Alachua, the championship three-peat isn't just about winning games but creating a legacy that will inspire Raiders for years to come.