Pitches across Marion County were at their peak as boys soccer teams competed for the top spot in the county. Westport fought his way through the gauntlet to win his third MCIAC trophy in four years.
Several athletes took advantage of the 2023-24 season to write their names in the school's history books. Even though it was Bellevue's best season in a decade and Westport's players broke records, there was never a dull moment on the field.
On May 21st, all Athlete of the Year winners will be announced at MESPY. It won't leave you sitting on the edge of your seat without a teaser. Announcing her three finalists, each with honors and feats to hold you over until the big day.
After a long season, it's time to reward the hard work of the county's top performers. Below are the all-county girls soccer teams.
All Marion County girls soccer:Team of the Winter and Player of the Year Finalists
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Player of the Year Finalist
Gustavo Maldonado – Sr. – Westport
Maldonado finished his storied varsity career with a 9-1 record at Westport. He was the leading scorer on Ocala's only 7A team.
Maldonado scored or assisted on 75 percent of the tournament's points and led his team to the MICAC title. His 24 goals rank second in the county and tied for 12th in the state. His nine winning goals are in a category of his own.
Brantley Wigginton – Sr. – Forest
Over the past four seasons, there may have been no player more dominant than Brantley Wigginton. The West Point U.S. Military Academy signee set career highs in points and assists.
He has led the county in scoring the past two seasons. He added a county-high and state-top three assists with 31 to his resume.
Aiden Kaczmarski – Senior – Belleview
Kachmarski's defensive prowess led to him being named a finalist for Player of the Year for the second year in a row. He stifled the offense early and often throughout the year.
Bellevue's defensive star led them to the best season record in school history. His development throughout his career has made the Rattlers a formidable opponent in Marion County.
all county soccer team
F: Gustavo Maldonado, Westport: 24 goals, 8 assists, 9 game-winning goals, 56 points.F: Brantley Wigginton, Forest: 32 goals, 31 assists, 121 steals, 95 points.F: Skylar Courtney, Lake Weir: 17 goals, 34 pointsF: Austin Hilty, Trinity Catholic: 16 goals, 2 assists, 34 points.mother: Antonio Mikedis (Westport): 14 goals, 19 assists, game winning goal, 47 points.mother: Dariel Fernandez, Vanguard: 12 goals, 7 assists, 31 pointsmother: Selvin Vanegas Rodas (Bellevue): 8 goals, 10 assists, 26 points.mother: Alexander Chartier (Westport): 15 goals, 10 assists, 40 points.mother: Magnus Jensen, Lake Weir: 12 goals, 12 assists, 36 points.D: Philip Hammer, Westport: 1 assist, 1355 minutesD: Colin Scroggie, Forest: 11 goals, 5 assists, 158 steals, 27 pointsD: Aiden Kaczmarski, Bellevue: 4 goals, 1 assist, 139 steals, 9 points.GK: Hunter Duncan, Bellevue: 89 saves, 15 goals allowed.
Honorable mention
Gustavo Padilla Moya, North Marion; Kyler McDonald, Redeemer Christian. Jadiel Rodriguez, Mori. Garrett Smith, Forest. Nicholas Bustillo, Trinity Catholic; Angel Arias, West Port. Dylan Rosito, Westport; Jaencarlo Mejia, weir lake. Luis Lanuza, Bellevue. Brian Aguero, Vanguard. Stefano Piccone, Trinity Catholic; Brandon Drozd, Forest. Grayson Baltazar, Bellevue; Michael, Bellevue. Jasiel Kinoes, Vanguard.Ax Sivasekaran, Vanguard