- December 17, 2025
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For a while, the Mustangs didn't know what playoff success looked like.
They had their shortcomings in both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 boys soccer seasons.
A quick exit in the regional quarterfinals closed the former season. That was followed by defeat in the district championship, and to boot, no at-large bid into regionals in 2023-24.
Last season represented a breakthrough, though. Lakewood Ranch began to string together victories in do-or-die situations, reaching the regional finals for the first time since 2021-22.
But the Mustangs don't remember their growth last season. What they remember most is how it all ended.
"Our focus faltered a bit last year," said senior forward/midfielder Broden Beorlegui. "We were coming to every game like, 'We're going to win,' and then we took it for granted."
Lakewood Ranch High fell to Mitchell in the 2025 FHSAA Class 6A regional finals, 3-1. The Mustangs are hoping that game is more of a launchpad than a setback.
As of Dec. 14, Lakewood Ranch is 9-0-1. The squad has outscored opponents 45-12 combined, only meeting its match against Sarasota on Dec. 4 in a 3-3 draw.
Five of Lakewood Ranch's nine wins have come by three goals or more. No other team in Class 6A-District 11 has more than six victories.
"It's been super cohesive," said assistant Daniel Cadavid. "Everyone plays for each other and everyone plays like family. Our players want to win — you can tell every day."
Finishing at 17-3-2 last season, Lakewood Ranch wound up ranked No. 30 overall in the state, per the final FHSAA rankings. It just so happened to run into Mitchell, the eventual state champion.
Beorlegui is the team's all-important leader.
He netted team-highs with 30 goals and 17 assists in 2024-25. He produced 26 goals and 10 assists as a freshman and sophomore.
As a senior, he's on a career-best pace. Beorlegui has scored 18 goals and seven assists through eight games.
The Georgia Southern commit has had an immense impact.
"He's always been good," Cadavid said. "We know what he can do for this team. We know what to do with getting him the ball. This year, since we've made him a captain, he's stepped up in that role leading the team."
When Beorlegui isn't slicing through defenders and sprinting his way to the net for Lakewood Ranch, he's often doing the same wearing a Florida Premier FC uniform.
He's helped the club to three straight Florida Conference titles in the Elite Club National League. Just this past 2025 season, he was named the conference's player of the year.
The senior's accolades on both the high school and club soccer scenes have earned him a reputation. That's something he not only understands, but embraces.
"I know not many people say it, but some guys do look up to me on the team," Beorlegui said. "I have to take that role on as a captain — doing the right things."
The Mustangs' triumphant start, though, isn't thanks to him alone. A success story has been brewing.
Senior Louka Coué is in his second season on varsity but has become a stalwart in the starting lineup. Coué is the team's second-leading scorer with nine goals in as many games played.
Right alongside Beorlegui on the attack, the senior has experienced a dramatic turnaround from last season.
"It's kind of weird, but it's a good feeling," Coué said. "Playing with good teammates — it makes everything easier. Having the confidence of the coaches, it makes me feel confident on the field."
A winning formula has also been devised on the Mustangs' defense. Jaxson Ebling is a major reason why, per Coué.
The senior defender didn't even touch the turf as a junior. He sat out the season with an injury.
Ebling is back. Naturally, his efforts don't show statistically as a defensive-first player, but it's something teammates and coaches alike have recognized.
"He's leading our defense," Coué said. "Like what coach (Vito Bavaro) says, you don't win a state title without a defense. And Jaxson is going to help us win the state title, for sure."
The Mustangs have the confidence they can go far. Results have been nothing but positive.
At the same time, the Mustangs aren't overly confident, having seen first-hand how dangerous such an attitude can be.
"We can go all the way to states," Beorlegui said. "I firmly believe that."
