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Who's atop the first News-Press/Naples Daily News soccer rankings of the 2023-24 season?

alex martin, naples daily news
·9 min read

Last year was arguably the best boys and girls soccer season in Southwest Florida history, with three boys' squads (Naples, Fort Myers, Canterbury) making it to state title games in their respective classes, while the Mariner girls came up just short in their title defense to American Heritage, losing 4-2 in penalties after a scoreless 100 minutes in the 5A title game.

The big question: which teams are going to step up this year?

Here is the first set of boys' and girls' soccer rankings this season, with an analysis of each team inside the Top 10.

Records of games played through Saturday, Nov. 18

BOYS SOCCER

1. Naples (4-0-1)

Naples Stephen Cuebas (3) attempts to drive the ball down field during Class 5A Boys Soccer Championship match American Heritage at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023
Naples Stephen Cuebas (3) attempts to drive the ball down field during Class 5A Boys Soccer Championship match American Heritage at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023

Analysis: The top of these rankings are truly fascinating. The Golden Eagles, by virtue of best win, open up the year at No. 1 thanks to an impressive 2-1 road victory over St. Thomas Aquinas, as well as a 3-2 win over 2A runner-up Canterbury. Naples did tie Golden Gate in what could be the first of four meetings between the two teams this season. Bob Prange's group will get right back to it, taking on Mariner on Monday.

2. Fort Myers (2-0-1)

The Viera Hawks face the Green Wave of Fort Myers for the FHSAA state soccer championship Saturday, February 25, 2023. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK
The Viera Hawks face the Green Wave of Fort Myers for the FHSAA state soccer championship Saturday, February 25, 2023. Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK

Analysis: After coming up just short of the 6A title last season, the Greenies have started 2-0-1 with wins over Immokalee and Gulf Coast, along with a tie to Barron Collier. Despite losing so many key pieces from last year's team, this Fort Myers squad is still very strong under Chris Reid. Fort Myers is idle for Thanksgiving week and will be back in action on Nov. 28 against Mariner on the road.

3. Golden Gate (2-0-2)

Golden Gate Titans players celebrate after defeating the Naples Golden Eagles in penalty kicks during the Class 5A District 12 game at Golden Gate High School in Naples on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023.
Golden Gate Titans players celebrate after defeating the Naples Golden Eagles in penalty kicks during the Class 5A District 12 game at Golden Gate High School in Naples on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023.

Analysis: The Titans also haven't skipped a beat, starting out strong with wins over Oasis and LaBelle while drawing with Naples and Lely. Gregory Breston, Malique Monestime, and Mateo Acuna give the Titans a senior nucleus that should be poised for double-digit wins once again this season. A challenge against a Bishop Verot squad awaits on Monday.

4. Barron Collier (3-0-1)

The Naples High School boys soccer team defeated Barron Collier with a final score of 3-2 Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in the Class 5-A regional semi-final game.
The Naples High School boys soccer team defeated Barron Collier with a final score of 3-2 Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, in the Class 5-A regional semi-final game.

Analysis: The Cougars are also undefeated after two weeks of play, posting wins over Bonita Springs, Aubrey Rogers, and Palmetto Ridge, while adding a draw against Fort Myers. Barron's schedule over the next few weeks is arguably as challenging of a stretch as anyone locally, taking on five ranked opponents in Golden Gate, Immokalee, Lely, Naples, and Gulf Coast, along with a stingy Venice group.

5. Lely (3-0-2)

Golden Gate's Christian Rico (6) and Lely's Alesandro Sarasini (11) battle for the ball during the boys soccer game between Golden Gate and Lely on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022 at Lely High School in Naples, Fla.
Golden Gate's Christian Rico (6) and Lely's Alesandro Sarasini (11) battle for the ball during the boys soccer game between Golden Gate and Lely on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022 at Lely High School in Naples, Fla.

Analysis: The Trojans have shown that they're going to be competitive, posting a pair of draws on the road against Golden Gate and Immokalee. That's an encouraging sign for Robbie Schank's group, especially having a balanced offensive attack this early in the season. Lely's back at it on Monday against Aubrey Rogers at home.

6. Canterbury (3-1-0)

The Canterbury School Walter Ballard (13) battles with The Pine School Christian Kerr during the Class 2A Boys Soccer Championship match at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 The Pine School won the championship 2-1.
The Canterbury School Walter Ballard (13) battles with The Pine School Christian Kerr during the Class 2A Boys Soccer Championship match at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 The Pine School won the championship 2-1.

Analysis: The Cougars are once again off to a relatively strong start, picking up three straight wins after losing 3-2 to Naples. Jared Rust has multiple key assets to replace, but Will Hall and Alessandro Nieto have picked up the slack, scoring three goals apiece through four games thus far. Canterbury will be idle through the Thanksgiving break, taking on Mariner on Nov. 27.

7. Immokalee (2-1-1)

Riverdale High School takes on Immokalee High School in a boys soccer district semifinal game at Riverdale High School in Fort Myers, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022.( Photo/Chris Tilley)
Riverdale High School takes on Immokalee High School in a boys soccer district semifinal game at Riverdale High School in Fort Myers, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022.( Photo/Chris Tilley)

Analysis: The Indians have been competitive in the matchups they need to be competitive in, coming up just short at home against Fort Myers while adding a draw against Lely. Immokalee picked up wins on the road over LaBelle and East Lee County, giving them some momentum early on in the season. Redwood has a chance of moving to 4-1-1 this week with matches against Gateway Charter and Mariner on the horizon.

8. Mariner (2-1-0)

The Mariner High School boys soccer team defeated Cape Coral Wednesday evening, February 1, 2023 to win the Class 5A District 11 championship. Mariner won with a final score of 3-0.
The Mariner High School boys soccer team defeated Cape Coral Wednesday evening, February 1, 2023 to win the Class 5A District 11 championship. Mariner won with a final score of 3-0.

Analysis: After a 3-2 loss to North Port, the Tritons have righted the ship, grabbing a 3-2 win on the road to Bishop Verot, followed by a 5-0 win at home against Ida Baker. Martin Cardenas has multiple key returners this year to make a run in Class 5A. They'll look to prove they belong on Monday against Naples, and on Tuesday against Immokalee.

9. Gulf Coast (1-1-1)

Gulf Coast's Caleb Peterson (14) attempts to stop the ball during the boys high school soccer game between Golden Gate and Gulf Coast on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022 at Golden Gate High School in Naples, Fla.
Gulf Coast's Caleb Peterson (14) attempts to stop the ball during the boys high school soccer game between Golden Gate and Gulf Coast on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022 at Golden Gate High School in Naples, Fla.

Analysis: Graduating a sizeable senior class coupled with Aubrey Rogers opening its doors, the Sharks took a hit in multiple ways. Gulf Coast beat the Patriots 4-0 but lost 5-0 to Fort Myers and drew with Venice. The Sharks will aim to take a winning streak into Thanksgiving with a road date against Cape Coral on Monday.

10. Bishop Verot (1-2-0)

Bishop Verot played at Canterbury for their Private 8 Boys Soccer Championship, Thursday, January 20, 2022. Canterbury won 4-0.
Bishop Verot played at Canterbury for their Private 8 Boys Soccer Championship, Thursday, January 20, 2022. Canterbury won 4-0.

Analysis: The Vikings have started 1-2-0 with a one-goal loss to Mariner and a two-goal loss to Lely, as this team is not at full strength. Ryan Gadson's absence will likely be noticed over the next couple of weeks, as the football program is in a position to play into December. Verot will travel to Golden Gate on Monday in hopes of getting back to .500.

First Five Out: Cape Coral (1-1-1), Palmetto Ridge (0-2-0), Riverdale (2-1-1), North Fort Myers (4-1-0), Gateway (3-1-1)

GIRLS SOCCER

1. Bishop Verot (5-0-0)

Bishop Verot traveled to Mariner on Tuesday, Nov. 14 and picked up a 1-0 girls soccer win over the Tritons.
Bishop Verot traveled to Mariner on Tuesday, Nov. 14 and picked up a 1-0 girls soccer win over the Tritons.

Analysis: If you had this one on your bingo card, more power to you. The Vikings went on the road and stunned Mariner last week 1-0, as former Triton Caroline Pelkofski netted the game-winner for Verot. In Acelya Aydogmus' first season as head coach, the Vikings have matched their win total from a season ago and are one goal away from tying their offensive production from last season. Verot will aim to stay perfect with a home contest against Lemon Bay.

2. Mariner (2-1-0)

Class 5A Girls Soccer Championship match between Plantation American Heritage vs Cape Coral Mariner at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand, Friday, Feb. 24, 2023
Class 5A Girls Soccer Championship match between Plantation American Heritage vs Cape Coral Mariner at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand, Friday, Feb. 24, 2023

Analysis: There's no reason to panic. Despite an early season loss, this Mariner team is still very strong, but it needs to gain some experience in a few areas. Only time will tell, but losing to Verot may be a blessing in disguise moving forward for this group that's aiming to get back to a third straight state title match in Class 5A. The Tritons have a strong attacking group headlined by Florida signee Ryleigh Acosta, FGCU commit Ariana Cintron, Stephanie Saracione, and many more. Mariner will aim to turn in an impressive showing at the Tampa Bay Invitational this week, playing Sunlake, Land O' Lakes, and Lourdes Academy.

3. North Fort Myers (3-0-0)

Evie McCarthy, of the North Fort Myers High School girls soccer team prepares to pass against Fort Myers High School at North Fort Myers High School on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023. North won.
Evie McCarthy, of the North Fort Myers High School girls soccer team prepares to pass against Fort Myers High School at North Fort Myers High School on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023. North won.

Analysis: The Red Knights have a legitimate case for the No. 1 spot this season, with Arizona-bound Evie McCarthy, Sophia Kerns, Lexi Neumann, Cami Nunn, and freshman sensation Kenlee Dominguez all on the field at once together. Nick Erickson's group has yet to allow a goal this year through three matches while outscoring Ida Baker, Parrish, and Bonita Springs by a combined 19-0 margin. North is idle for Thanksgiving but will be back in action with matches against Charlotte, North Port, and Barron Collier next week.

4. Fort Myers (3-0-0)

Fort Myers hosts Riverdale in the 6A District 12 girls soccer championship on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023, at Fort Myers High School. Riverdale won 2-1.
Fort Myers hosts Riverdale in the 6A District 12 girls soccer championship on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023, at Fort Myers High School. Riverdale won 2-1.

Analysis: The Greenies started on a strong note, posting a 3-2 win over a Barron Collier team that's slated to be better than last season. Fort Myers has gotten a strong start from Giana D'Altrui, who is up to four goals in three games after having six all of last season. The Green Wave will look to stay unbeaten next week, taking on Mariner before hosting Bonita Springs.

5. Naples (3-0-0)

Mariner player Ryleigh Acosta faces off against Naples player Ava Majury. The Mariner High School girls soccer team defeated Naples 2-0 Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, in the regional semi-final game.
Mariner player Ryleigh Acosta faces off against Naples player Ava Majury. The Mariner High School girls soccer team defeated Naples 2-0 Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, in the regional semi-final game.

Analysis: The Golden Eagles got three strong results last week against East Lee County, Palmetto Ridge, and Golden Gate, which amounted to a combined score of 20-0. Naples had key production to replace from last year's group in Lucy Froitzheim, Elaina Loden, and Bridgette Graney, and Ava Majury has shown she's up for the challenge. The senior is up to four goals and seven assists already this season, giving Naples a reliable asset on the attack. Next up are two games against Immokalee and Cape Coral, scheduled for next week.

6. Barron Collier (2-2-1)

Barron Collier Cougars players celebrate with goalkeeper Paige Knoth (0) after penalty kicks in the Class 5A District 12 game at Staver Field in Naples on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023.
Barron Collier Cougars players celebrate with goalkeeper Paige Knoth (0) after penalty kicks in the Class 5A District 12 game at Staver Field in Naples on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023.

Analysis: The Cougars are four goals away from allowing the number they did last year, as the team looks to build its chemistry in what could be a long season with the amount of talent on the pitch. Barron tied Aubrey Rogers, lost to Fort Myers, and lost to American Heritage, leaving the team without a resumé win two weeks into the season. Barron still has plenty of chances to change that but will take on Golden Gate and Immokalee next week before playing North Fort Myers on Dec. 1.

7. Cape Coral (5-1-0)

Analysis: Outside of a 4-0 loss to Bishop Verot, the Seahawks have been particularly good, beating Canterbury along with Oasis, Island Coast, Port Charlotte, and Gateway Charter. Angelina Toro is off to a hot start, leading the team with seven goals. Cape Coral will look to stay hot against Gulf Coast on Monday.

8. Evangelical Christian (4-0-0)

The ECS girls soccer team won the 2023 District 2A-11 title.
The ECS girls soccer team won the 2023 District 2A-11 title.

Analysis: The Sentinels have yet to lose a game this year, looking to build off of last year's successful season in Class 2A. Claire Valentine may be off to Liberty, but Alexa Bereczki has shouldered the load offensively, up to 13 goals and seven assists so far. ECS will travel to Palmetto Ridge next Monday after the break.

9. Estero (1-1-1)

Estero Wildcats midfielder Kaitlyn Mancini (3) battles for possession with Naples Golden Eagles midfielder Lucy Froitzheim (12) during the first half of a game at Staver Field in Naples on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023.
Estero Wildcats midfielder Kaitlyn Mancini (3) battles for possession with Naples Golden Eagles midfielder Lucy Froitzheim (12) during the first half of a game at Staver Field in Naples on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023.

Analysis: The Wildcats lost a lot of key pieces from last year's group, which has reflected with a goal differential of minus-7 through three games. Granted, a 9-0 decision to Mariner inflates that total a bit, but Estero has work to do if it wants to meet the 15 wins last year's squad did. Next up is a contest against South Fort Myers after the Thanksgiving break.

10. Riverdale (2-1-1)

Fort Myers hosts Riverdale in the 6A District 12 girls soccer championship on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023, at Fort Myers High School. Riverdale won 2-1.
Fort Myers hosts Riverdale in the 6A District 12 girls soccer championship on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023, at Fort Myers High School. Riverdale won 2-1.

Analysis: The Raiders have started 2-1-1 with wins over Bonita Springs and Cypress Lake, a draw to Estero, and a 4-1 loss to Bishop Verot. Riverdale's 1-2 punch of Bailey Trosterud and Skylar Hubbard has combined for 10 goals and seven assists thus far. Like Mariner, Riverdale will play Land O' Lakes, Lourdes, and Sunlake this week in Tampa.

First Five Out: Gulf Coast (2-1-0), Aubrey Rogers (2-1-1), Canterbury (2-1-0), Cypress Lake (3-2-0), Gateway (3-2-0)

Follow Southwest Florida Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X: @NP_AlexMartin. For the best sports coverage in Southwest Florida, follow @newspresssports and @ndnprepzone on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Who's atop the first News-Press/Naples Daily News soccer rankings of 2023-24?