In the history books of Pembroke Pines Charter High School, the 2025-26 Lady Jags Varsity Soccer team is one that will stand out the most. After a historic run that featured the girls winning a district title and paving their way to the regional finals, this group set a new standard for the future of Lady Jags varsity soccer.
Although their dreams of a state championship appearance fell short of one win, they walked off the field one last time with a new name for themselves.
“At the start of the season, we didn’t think we would make it this far, so it is great to see that we accomplished so many great things this season,” senior midfielder Amanda Fernandez notes.
After losing three seniors the previous season, the Lady Jags were ready to rebuild their program and find new key players to fill the roles of seniors that graduated.
Freshman defender Riliegh Sabel and seventh-grade forward Oreofe Soyode stepped up and were able to fill the empty spots in the lineup.
Sabel contributed to the 11 shutouts recorded by the Lady Jags this season. As her defense prevented many goals and protected the Lady Jags’ net.
“Getting to be such an important part of this team as a freshman means so much to me, and I am so happy I was able to help this team be so successful,” says Sabel.
Soyode was another key factor in the Lady Jags offense, this season, she scored 11 goals and assisted her teammates with scoring three goals. From assisting her team to victory to her clutch moments, for example when she scored a last-minute goal against the rival of the Lady Jags, Archbishop McCarthy, in the district final she has been a crucial part of the team. Helping bring another district title for the Lady Jags.
Leading the team this season were senior captains, Madison Casanova (goalkeeper), Catalina Castro (midfielder), and Amariah Ayum (defender). After getting the opportunity to lead their team this season, Castro expresses that she feels “very happy to have been able to give the girls the motivation to have fun but also play at a high level at the same time.”
Another vital player is the leading goal scorer, junior Madison Connacher (midfielder). This season, she tallied up a total of 25 goals and four assists. She contributed significantly to the Lady Jags’ season, scoring in key games, including the regional final against Lourdes Academy.
This season, Connacher was labeled First Team All-Broward for the Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald. Committing to Florida Gulf Coast University to play Division 1 soccer and also being the captain of her travel team at Sunrise Surf, Connacher is ready to lead the Lady Jags next season.
Connacher notes, “This season and team are such a blessing. Every moment with them was so much fun. I can’t wait to play with these girls again, make more memories, and make it to states.”
The Lady Jags significantly improved their record from the previous season, from 11-6, to 14-3-2 this season.
Becoming back-to-back district champions and making it to regional finals this season after falling short in the regional semi-finals to Archbishop McCarthy last season, the Lady Jags varsity soccer team has left their mark in Charter history. They are ready for next season and looking forward to making their state championship dreams a reality.
