TAMPA — This season is one of redemption for Jesuit boys’ varsity soccer.

“Coming into this season, they came in extremely hungry,” head coach Eric Sims said. “I think last year was a pretty disappointing end to lose in penalty kicks in the regional final.”

Jesuit just finished the regular season with a 17-2 record. The team is ranked in the top ten in the state and 33rd in the nation.

But the Tigers are still looking for one thing — getting payback against Merritt Island.

Something they haven’t been able to do the past two seasons.

"As a team, that’s the goal, we have to get past that game, it’s been a little bit of a curse for us,” said junior Zach Board.

Their goal is clear.

“The goal every year is a state title,” Board said.

Jesuit has the talent to do so. Junior Lucas Gobea leads the way with 16 goals. But he also creates chances for his teammates.

“He’s very unpredictable,” Sims explained. "A lot of the times I don’t even know if he knows what he’s going to do.”

There’s one thing you can predict.

“My speed pretty much, that’s what I’m good for,” Gobea said.

Sims said Gobea’s speed sets him apart.

“His speed is something I haven’t seen much of in my 18 years coaching high school soccer.

Gobea’s speed and skill-set have been noticed. This month, he was selected as an All-State All-American, which means he’ll play in the All-America Cup during the week of the MLS All-Star Game in Orlando.

"Great joy and happiness to work pretty much my whole childhood and adolescence to be truly recognized,” Gobea said.

The competition is what he’s looking forward to the most.

"Just to get to play with all of the best players in the country,” Gobea said.

And although there are some nerves involved in a nationally televised all-star game, pressure is what Gobea does best.

“Those moments in tight games, and you get the final goal off,” Gobea said.

Whether it’s a game-winning goal or his positive attitude, Gobea leads the Tigers in more ways than one.

"He’s matured into a solid leader for us and somebody that the younger guys can look up to,” Sims said.

While Gobea is honored to be chosen as an All-American, his sights remain set on one goal — a goal shared by his teammates — as the Tigers take aim at a state title.