The team is headed to Nationals in Utah.
The Plant City 2010 Premier Boys Soccer Team (Lancers) is headed to Utah next month after capturing the 2026 Florida State Cup National Premier League title and earning a berth in the US Youth Soccer National Championships.
The nonprofit club will compete in the national tournament July 13 through 20 in Utah.
For team manager Mindy Banda, the accomplishment is the result of years of dedication from a group of players who have spent much of their youth soccer careers together. “We’ve had the same core group since they were about 10 years old,” Banda said. “To see them reach this point is huge. They know their time playing together is limited, so they’re excited for this opportunity.”
The Lancers posted a 12-1-2 record over 15 matches, defeating regional champions from across Florida.
One of the season’s defining moments came during a State Cup match that remained tied after regulation and was decided by penalty kicks. “The boys converted all five penalty kicks, and our goalkeeper made the decisive save to secure a 5-4 shootout victory,” Banda said. “The entire team ran onto the field. Some had tears in their eyes. It was one of those moments you’ll never forget.”
Banda said the team’s confidence grew throughout the season as the players consistently defeated higher-ranked opponents. She credited head coach Edy Banda, strong team chemistry, and committed families for helping the team reach the national stage.
Now the focus has shifted to preparation. The team practices three to four times each week and is emphasizing ball movement and possession ahead of competition against some of the nation’s top youth teams.
The trip also requires significant fundraising. While entry into the tournament is covered, the club must pay for travel, lodging and meals. Team officials estimate the cost at roughly $12,000 and say they are about $4,000 short of their goal.
A Music Bingo fundraiser is planned for June 25 at Bullfrog Brewery, and donations continue to be accepted.
Community support has helped make the trip possible for a program that strives to keep competitive soccer affordable. The Lancers charge approximately $700 per season, significantly less than many travel soccer clubs. “Not every family can afford a club that costs thousands of dollars,” Banda said. “This program gives kids an opportunity to compete at a high level.”
According to Banda, this marks the first time in two decades that a Lancers team has advanced this far.
The team includes: Aizen Banda, Jonathan Bueno, Josue Carbajal-Camargo, Dallas Cerda, Luke Drawdy, Gabriel Ferreira Calaj, Ricardo Figueroa, Oscar Garcia, Giovanny Garcia-Dircio, Papillon Guzman, Raul Hernandez-Moreno, Jose Martinez, Bryan Martinez, Yandell Martinez-Rosales, Caleb Medrano, Fernando Morales, Salvador Ocampo Rodriguez, Alejandro Ramos Mendez, John Richardson, Ernesto Rodriguez-Garcia, Kevin Rojo-Rosales and Daniel Tepale-Morales.
Team captain and striker John Richardson said he and his teammates are taking the tournament seriously and putting in the practice to play their best in the tournament. “We plan on playing our hearts out and giving our all to win this tournament and bring it home, back to Florida,” he said.
