- February 25, 2026
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Windermere High boys soccer team’s players stood at midfield and waited for their name to be called. They each stepped forward and were recognized before the 7A State Semifinal game started.
The starting Wolverines’ players huddled together before they played on the biggest stage of the season.
Junior Ivaldo Neto dribbled the ball down the field, pushing the Wolverines’ offense closer to the goal.
Senior midfielder Nick Espitia showed his determination to help Windermere find success in the 7A State Semifinal game.
Windermere’s Ivaldo Neto’s teammates huddled around him as he fell to the ground. He never was able to return to the game.
Windermere’s senior midfielder Nick Espitia patiently waited for his teammates to get open before he threw the ball in bounds.
Sophomore Keagan Kiefer jumped over the FHSAA State Semifinal game as he dashed to chase after the soccer ball.
The junior Wolverine Felipe Novak Fontenelle Ribeiro tested out his speed against Columbus’ defense.
Windermere’s senior Luke Anthony threw the ball in with all of his power.
Windermere’s players levitated in the air as they tried to head the ball into the net and Colymbus’ players tried to keep it away.
The Wolverines’ head coach Lou Romao walked on the sidelines and coaching his players to the best of their abilities.
Windermere’s senior William Da Silva Filho fought to reclaim the ball against Columbus.
Head coach Lou Romao reminded his players that they had an accomplished season and they should keep their heads high.
The team waved their last goodbye to Windermere’s fans following the 4-1 loss to Columbus.
Windermere’s players comforted each other as the team’s monumental season came to a close.
The reality of losing the 7A State Semifinal game began for Windermere's players after Columbus scored the fourth and final goal of the game.
Windermere’s junior Enzo Bueno De Oliveria and senior Nick Espitia ran down the field together.
Windermere High boys soccer team’s first accomplishment came when the team won the 2026 Metro Championship.
Following the title, the Wolverines’ players continued on their ride to success. The team claimed the district championship crown and tallied on the regional champion title as well, and advanced to the Class 7A State Semifinals.
The team entered the game with a 19-1-5 record and left with a 19-2-5 record. Windermere’s 2025-26 campaign came to a close after falling 4-1 to Columbus in the state semifinal game Tuesday, Feb. 24.
Setbacks for the Wolverines already began to present themselves almost as quickly as the game started. Starting junior Ivaldo Neto went down within the first 15 minutes of the game and after being escorted off the field he never was able to return.
After the first half, Windermere trailed by just one-point and with 40 minutes left there was time to rally back. But the ball had other plans.
The Wolverines first score came in the 77th minute by senior William Da Silva Filho, and made the score 3-1. Colonial once again found the net to seal the team’s fate.
Although it wasn’t the outcome Windermere hoped for, head coach Lou Romao reminded every player to keep their heads up. They made it so far, just one game away from the state finals, and that’s something to be proud of.
