The best for last: Arnold wins state soccer title after goalie saves final kick of shootout
The Arnold boys soccer team's season came down to the last kick on Friday night in the FHSAA Class 5A state final in DeLand.
And the Marlins will be coming home with another championship trophy.
Goalkeeper Josh Chandler made a save on the sixth shot of a penalty shootout against Tampa Jesuit on Friday, giving Arnold a 4-3 win in penalties after a 1-1 draw through regulation and overtime.
"I just focused on my technique and what I could read from the penalty takers," Chandler said. "Their team had theatrics, so I just had to prove that I am not down there but up high at a different level."
Arnold (22-1-1) won its second championship in four years; it won its first state title in 2021, taking the 4A title that season. It also lost in the state final in 2022.
"Two times in four years, having gone three times it doesn't get much better than that," Marlins coach Jonathan Hammond said.
After winning its state semifinal in penalty kicks, Arnold and Jesuit – ranked Nos. 1 and 2 in the state – didn't score in regulation. Both teams put a goal on the board in extra time, and each side had a chance at a game-winner before the shootout.
The Tigers scored with just 1 second left in the first period of extra time. Chandler punched out an incoming cross that found its way to Jesuit's Keegan Clamp, who headed it in the bottom right corner.
Road to title twoArnold defeats Pembroke Pines 4-2 on penalties, advance to Class 5A state championship
Ingredients of a state championSecond half playing a big part in Arnold boys soccer ascendance
Arnold players displayed visible distress, yet their determination surged as their season and championship aspirations hung in the balance during the final 10 minutes of extra time. The Marlins wouldn't have to wait long; 45 seconds into the second period of extra time the ball made its way to sophomore Fernando Granillo, who slotted it in bringing the game to level at 1-1.
"Felix (Riemer) was angry and it brought the whole team energy, the ball bounced around a found Fern who has made great shots for us all year," Hammond said.
The penalty shootout was a rollercoaster of emotions. Marlins captain Stone Hatton and Jesuit's Nicolas Cubas made their penalties, evening the tally at 1-1. Arnold would see itself in a 3-1 deficit with shots from Cricket Lebdaoui and Kiemer saved.
But Clamp and Patrick Wiley missed for Jesuit, leaving Sander Richard and Granillo to make their penalties. All tied up at 3-3, Arnold senior Josiah Dunlap trotted out to the penalty spot and with cool, calm and collected conviction gave Arnold a 4-3 lead.
"Josiah is one of the best human beings I know and he has worked hard and had a positive attitude," Hammond said. "He did not play a minute on the field until he stepped up and did that, which is awesome."
Banji Bamidele is a sports reporter for the Panama City News Herald. He can be reached at abamidele@gannett.com or through X, formerly known as Twitter, @AdebanjiBamide1.