The 2025 Coosa Middle School Boys Soccer team capped off an unforgettable season by securing the FCAA Region Championship on Wednesday, March 26. The Eagles, led by Head Coach Ethan Cagle, finished the season with an impressive 8-2 record, including two decisive playoff victories that solidified their place at the top.
A Season of Determination and Dominance:
The Eagles started their campaign in dominant fashion with a 10-0 mercy-rule victory over Chattooga Middle, setting the tone for a successful season. They followed up with a hard-fought road match against Darlington, where a penalty shootout victory secured a 2-0 start. Coosa continued its momentum with a 3-0 win at Armuchee and a commanding 4-0 home victory over Model.
A non-region matchup against Rockmart saw the Eagles unleash an offensive showcase in an 8-0 win, pushing their record to 5-0. However, their unbeaten streak came to an end in a tightly contested match against Ashworth Middle, where a lone penalty kick resulted in a 1-0 loss. The team quickly rebounded with a back-and-forth non-region win over Adairsville before closing out the regular season against cross-town rival Pepperell. In a defensive battle that remained scoreless through regulation, the game was decided by penalty kicks, where Coosa fell just short. Despite the loss, the Eagles finished with a 4-2 regional record, securing the No. 2 seed for the playoffs.
As one of the top four teams in the region, Coosa entered the FCAA Region Playoffs determined to claim the title. Facing off against the No. 3 seed Model Blue Devils in the semifinals, the Eagles’ offensive firepower proved too much as they earned a 4-2 victory to advance to the championship game.
The final match provided a chance for redemption as Coosa faced Ashworth Middle, the team responsible for their first region loss. The championship battle was a thrilling back-and-forth contest, with both teams fighting for control. After an early 1-1 tie, the Eagles found their rhythm and surged ahead to a 4-1 lead. Ashworth responded with a late goal, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Eagles from claiming the FCAA Championship with a 4-2 win. The victory not only secured the title but also ended Ashworth’s bid for a four-peat championship, bringing the trophy home to Floyd County.
The Coosa Middle School team was a diverse and talented squad, with players ranging from 5th to 8th grade. The team’s 13 eighth-graders provided veteran leadership, while three 7th graders (two players and one manager), three 6th graders, and three 5th graders contributed to the Eagles’ success.
The team was guided by Offensive Captain Demian Orellana and Defensive Captain Philip Cannon, both of whom played critical roles throughout the season. Offensively, the Eagles tallied an impressive 39 goals, while their defensive unit allowed just 9 goals in regular time.
Top Performers:
• Andres Gonzalez Vasquez – 9 goals
• Daniel Martinez – 8 goals
• Demian Orellana – 7 goals
• Israel Gonzalez – 6 goals
• Ethan Bennett – 4 goals
• Goalkeeper Pablo Herrera – Only 9 goals allowed all season
Coach Ethan Cagle, a seasoned six-year veteran in the FCAA region, secured his second FCAA Championship as a head coach. His first with the Eagles’! Assisting him this year were Coosa Middle Girls Head Coach Payton Couey and former Head Coach Jamey Goss.
Reflecting on the team’s success, Coach Cagle praised his players’ determination and resilience:
“This team has been a special one. They have fought hard to get to this point! We have had our highs and lows this season, but the players answered the call when it mattered the most. We played essentially two away games in the playoffs, but we played our brand of soccer and came out on top! It’s a great day to Fly like an Eagle!”
The 2025 Coosa Middle School Eagles not only captured the FCAA Championship but also showcased the heart, skill, and perseverance that define a championship team. Their journey was marked by dominant victories, clutch performances, and unwavering determination, culminating in a season that will be remembered for years to come.
