Crusaders top first-year St. Johns Beachside to advance to regional final

By Official Florida FC

Bishop Kenny hides in plain sight.

While some other programs in Northeast Florida get more attention, the Crusaders (14-3-3) are in a regional final for the third time in the last four years and the fifth time in head coach Matt Case’s six years on the touchline.

Monday’s 2-0 win over St. Johns Beachside was the latest result in the Crusaders’ march through the FHSAA postseason.

Joseph Jimenez scored a brace. His first came in the 56th minute when he was afforded space at the back post. His second, with about 30 seconds remaining, sealed Monday’s FHSAA Region 1-4A semifinal.

The Barracudas (8-5-6) threw numbers forward in search of an equalizer and Jimenez was the beneficiary.

Beachside is a first-year school with no seniors. The Barracudas (8-5-6) entered the match unbeaten in their last nine. But, the St. Johns County program couldn’t produce a third consecutive result against the Crusaders.

Bishop Kenny will host Yulee (17-2-1) on Feb. 15 in the Region 1-4A final.

Here are images from the match.