The Land O' Lakes High boys soccer team celebrated a sloppy win Friday night.
But a 2-1 victory over Class 4A-District 8, in-town rival Sunlake proved to be enough for the Gators to secure their seventh straight district title.
"I thought it was sloppy, and it was that way because we're missing key guys," Land O' Lakes coach Mark Pearson said, referring to midfielder Nathan Dalton being out with a concussion. "This is one more step to regionals and the (state) tournament, but it means more to me to see my guys (take home the trophy)."
Sunlake (18-8-1), which advances to the first state tournament in the program's short existence, jumped out to the 1-0 lead in the 32nd minute as Jared Landry sent a cross and Connor Gilboy buried it with a header past a diving Kody Parker.
But Land O'Lakes (23-1) answered in the 39th minute as Josh Davis notched his 17th goal of the season to tie the game..
The Gators took the lead on senior midfielder Justin Lyles' free kick from 25 yards out.
"You hate to see a goal like that," Sunlake coach Sam Koleduk said. "But it was an even game, and we're happy to move on and keep this season alive."
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