Kerman girls soccer captures Central Section Division III title in dramatic fashion
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- Kerman won the 2026 Central Section Division III title via a 4-3 penalty-kick victory.
- Sophomore goalkeeper Alana Gutierrez made a decisive save in the shootout to secure win.
- Coach Israel Cantor credited senior leadership and targeted practice for the result.
It seemed Kerman High School’s girls soccer team had established a pattern in Central Section title games the past few seasons — alternating between runner-up and champion.
The Lions were runners-up in 2022-23, section champs in 2023-24, and again runners-up in 2024-25.
In 2026, they flipped the script in unforgettable style.
In the Central Section Division III championship, Kerman battled Torres to a scoreless tie through regulation and two 10-minute overtimes before prevailing 4-3 in penalty kicks to claim the title.
The back-to-back Tri-County Conference champions stood tall at midfield afterward, hoisting the championship plaque amid a roar from fans and teammates.
Clutch moments and leadership
The Lions’ path to the title wasn’t easy — and it wasn’t without heroics.
Sophomore goalkeeper Alana Gutierrez made back-to-back saves in the penalty kicks to give Kerman a title that left fans and coaches buzzing.
Kerman was led by a heavy senior class — seven players with postseason experience — who played with poise in tense moments.
Scoring goals in the penalty kick frame were seniors Briseyda Tovar, Emily Cantor, Baylee Melgoza and Nella Quaresma.
After the match, Kerman coach Israel Cantor reflected on the intensity of the match and what it meant for his team:
“Oh my God, it was just — those intense games,” he said. “We knew that, I mean, both teams got a clear, clear opportunity to take it. I knew it was gonna be a tough, tough game, but we prepared ourselves for that type of game. We practiced eight games because we also thought it might come down to that, so we could get ready for those moments. Thank God, it just paid off.”
This story was originally published February 25, 2026 at 6:58 AM.
