TBI Champions!

Jesuit soccer claimed the title in the prestigious Tampa Bay Invitational on Saturday night (Jan. 6), coming from behind to defeat previously unbeaten Tampa Prep, 2-1.

Late in the 1st half, Lucas Book '26 tied the score on a header off an assist from Dutch Iavarone '25, and the Tigers maintained the momentum after intermission. Midway through the 2nd half, Patrick Wiley '25 battled down the left side and into the penalty area, where he was taken down by a defender. Wiley coolly converted the penalty kick to give the Tigers the lead.

From there, goalkeeper Gavin Garlick '24 and the defense anchored by Brady Nessler '24, Michael Jacolow '24, Kaden Plummer '24, and Charles Dowman '26 preserved the victory.

After Jesuit (11-0-3) had fallen behind Tampa Prep (9-1) on an 11th minute strike, two spectacular saves - one by Garlick and one by Plummer off the line - kept Jesuit from falling father behind before the Tigers turned the tide.

Jesuit head coach Eric Sims '95 founded the Tampa Bay Invitational during the 2017-18 season, and it has grown to typically include three 8-team divisions. The Tigers claimed the title in the tournament's Showcase Division in the event's first two years, 2019 and '19. Saturday's win gives Jesuit its 3rd TBI crown in seven seasons. 

The Tigers will have a shot at another big trophy on Saturday when they host Osceola in a Champions League semifinal, with the winner advancing to the title match later Saturday at 6:00pm at Al Lang Stadium - home of the Tampa Bay Rowdies - in St. Petersburg.

View photos below from the 2-1 win over Tampa Prep in the TBI final.