After back-to-back Final Four appearances and four semifinal berths in six years, last season’s first-round playoff loss was uncharacteristic for Niceville boys soccer.
But now, the Eagles are back.
Despite opening the year with consecutive ties against Choctaw and Fort Walton Beach followed by a loss to Gulf Breeze, Niceville has become one of the hottest teams in Florida. The Eagles have won nine straight games to improve to 9-1-2, earning a No. 9 ranking in the state, No. 20 nationally and the top spot in Class 6A District 1.
- Seven of those eight most recent victories came by multiple goals.
“We’re definitely getting better defensively, which is nice to see, and we are scoring a few goals, which is the key,” coach Wes Nelson said. “If you keep the ball out of the net and score a few goals, you’ll win the game.”
Overall, the player that deserves the most credit would unquestionably be Camrin Pearson. The senior forward has posted a team-high 14 goals and seven assists. Asher Nelson has contributed nine goals and eight assists while anchoring the defense. Kaito Loux has added six assists and two goals.
Younger players have also stepped up. Jackson Fisher has scored five goals, and Rafe Ellis has added four. Goalkeeper Colton Cook has recorded 22 saves.
- “They bought in. They’re a true team,” Wes Nelson said. “They come out and work hard every single night not just for me but for each other.”
Nelson sees similarities between this squad and Niceville’s 2020 state championship team.
“You have good players, good work ethic, guys that are committed,” he said.
Still, Nelson believes his team has room to grow.
“In every facet of the game we can improve. We are far from a finished product,” Nelson said. “We have to improve defensively, offensively. I think we could finish a little better.”
If the Eagles continue their current trajectory, a return to the Final Four — and potentially Niceville’s first state title in five years — remains within reach.
