All Area soccer players Sean Allin (Santa Fe), Maximus Dietz (Newberry), and Christopher Zeppieri (P.K. Yonge) never won a state title in high school.

But over Mother’s Day weekend, the trio helped lead a local club soccer team, the Men’s Under-19 Inter Gainesville KF Academy, to the Florida State Cup.

The journey began with single-elimination games back in October and culminated with the semifinals on May 10, followed by the championship game.

Inter Gainesville KF upset then No. 3 nationally ranked Strikers Miami FC 2007 Elite, 3-0, in November.

After qualifying for the final four, the team defeated Florida No. 2-ranked Doral SC ECNL 07/06, 3-0, followed by a 3-1 victory over Parkland SC to become the state champions of Florida.

“The keys to winning a state title are determination and the ability to sustain a level of consistency and control the momentum of the games against high-level opponents,” said head coach Darnell Bernier.

It was the fifth career state championship for coach Bernier, who became the only coach in Gainesville history to win both the FYSA State Cup and the US Florida Cup. 

“As a coach, to have the achievement of winning both state titles is a wonderful accomplishment to especially winning them in the city you were raised in,” said Bernier, who congratulated and thanked his club family. “Congratulations to all the U19 boys on a tremendous victory and bringing the Florida state championship back to our Inter GNV family and the city. Thanks to all the families and their support throughout the season and setting a quality standard on the field for future generations to come.”

In addition to the Alachua County trio, other area players on the team, a collection of the best players 19 and under in Gainesville and surrounding areas, includes Davy Coleman (P.K. Yonge class of 2026), Hugo Deleyrolle (Buchholz c/o 2024), Dylan Fitzpatrick (Buchholz c/o 2026), Teague McNeal (Buchholz c/o 2026), Braiden Muthard (Williston c/o 2026), Waylon Richard (Suwannee c/o 2024), Ignacio Moses de Oca Gordillo (Gainesville c/o 2026) and Nate Southard (Sante Fe c/o 2024).

Allin was a first team All Area selection from Santa Fe (Alachua) as a senior in 2024.

He led the Raiders with 13 goals and 11 assists in 16 games as a senior midfielder for the Raiders, who won a district title and advanced to the first round of the Class 4A state playoffs.

“Sean was the engine of our team,” first-year Santa Fe coach Morgan Dall’Acqua said following the conclusion of the 2024 season. “He has the speed and skill to take on a defender for a shot, but his possession and elusiveness also makes him a very effective distributor when covered by multiple players.”

Deitz and Zeppieri made the Bosshardt Realty All Area team this past April.

In 2024-25, Deitz helped lead the Panthers to their first district title in 23 years.

The senior forward was second for Newberry in both goals (19) and assists (16).

“There are many aspects of Max’s play that are impressive to me (and overwhelming to an opponent),” said Newberry coach Jon Doles. “He has great ball and body control. His feints and speed variations while on ball at game speed, moves the defender and allows him to take a path to the frame or set a teammate for a finish.”

Zeppieri, a senior midfielder, finished second on the Blue Wave with 19 goals and he led the team with 15 assists.

The Florida State Cup was a culmination of numerous wins across the state, including championship victories at the 2024 Tampa Bay Super Cup (Champions), 2024 Raleigh Boys Showcase (Group winner), 2024 Disney Showcase (Finalist), and 2024 Weston Cup (Champions).

The team also traveled to Dallas, Texas, in April, to compete against elite teams from all over the world, including a team from Northern Ireland.

Securing the Florida State Cup enables the U19 team to compete in the National Championships in Denver, Colorado (July 17-21), and play against the state champions from across the country. 

“A national title is very possible for this group as our opponents on the way to the Florida state championship were some of the best in the United States,” Bernier said.

All Inter Gainesville KF teams play as part of the USL A (Academy players) or MLS Go (Recreational), which embrace the motto “One City, One Club, One Family.” The club is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every player, coach and parent is an integral part of the community.

For more information on the club, visit: https://www.intergainesville.com/.