Niceville girls soccer ousted in state semifinals

Staff Report

FORT LAUDERDALE — Niceville’s girls soccer team saw its season come to an end on Friday, falling 4-0 to Satellite in the Class 5A state semifinals.

It was the second straight year the Eagles (19-3-3) had advanced to the state final four before bowing out. Satellite, the defending state champion, will face George Jenkins today for the title.

“They are a very solid team,” Niceville coach Michael Denton said. “They were able to finish on their opportunities and we didn’t.”

Katie Johnson had a big day for Satellite (23-2-2). The senior striker had three goals and assisted on the other. She scored her first goal right before the half, then added the other two early in the second half to put the game away. Annick McBryar had the first goal of the game just three minutes into the contest.

Three of the goals came off set plays near the box, while the other was off a rebound.

The Eagles, meanwhile, were not able to convert their chances near the goal. That turned out to be the difference.

“We had a few opportunities, but we didn’t get a clean touch on them to put it away,” Denton said.

The Eagles were thought to be in a rebuilding year after losing more than half of last year’s starters. But they responded well, not losing a district match throughout the season and claiming their sixth straight District 1 championship. Niceville then downed Tallahassee Lincoln, Choctawhatchee and Bartram Trail en route to the state semifinals.