Coaches: Jeff Brattain, Ted Pamplona, Chris Crampton

Brattain has taken six teams to regionals before, but this young squad makes its first appearance. The Kickers are anchored by a solid defense that gave up just two goals in six State Cup games. They will look for scoring from Two strikers Brandon’s Todd Cripe and Clearwater’s Nick Kohlschreiber. MF Danny Anderson has also scored some game-winners this year. In the back, stopper Brenden Crampton, FB Jeremy Fung, and GK Colby West are standouts.

Coaches: Dave Reardon, Bob Granstrom

The Chargers have won four of the past five State Cups and make their third trip to regionals. This year’s squad features several players from high school state championship teams Clearwater Central Catholic and Palm Harbor University School. Throw in the mix some of the top players from other counties, such as Bloomingdale’s Tara Escribano and Sarasota’s Kristen Gambetta, and the Chargers have a formidable squad. CCC’s Bianca Spoto leads the team in scoring, and Michelle Mione and Stacy Typrowicz are returning from injuries.

Coaches: Mike Pearson, George Kladis, Larry Scrivens, Nick Pullaro

In its 25th year, the Spirit soccer club has a lot of tradition, including a national championship in 1993. This year’s Under-18 squad features some veteran players who already have a year of college under their belts. Paul Scrivens (USF), Chris Simpson (USF), and T. K. Kladis (Florida Southern) should provide some leadership. The Spirit got past old foe Clearwater Chargers 4-2 in the State Cup final on June 13. The Spirit also knocked out the Chargers last year. According to Spirit president Kelly Panter, nearly every player on the team has a college scholarship next year.

Coaches: Danielle Fotopoulos, Bob Schofield, George Fotopoulos

The Heather are winners of five consecutive State Cups. Last year, injuries decimated their goalkeeping, forcing them to use a field player in goal. They ended up losing 1-0 in the regional semifinals to the eventual champs, Atlanta Tophatters. This year, they have Lisa Nowaslawski, an all-state keeper from Melbourne Central Catholic. She complements collegiate players Lindaliz Arauz (Vanderbilt) and Karyn Hall (Florida) in the backfield to make a solid defense. Head coach Danielle Fotopoulos will not make it to regionals, but she has a good excuse. She is currently playing with the U.S. national team at the Women’s World Cup.