The 2026 South Carolina High School Soccer League (SCHSL) state championships unfolded at Memorial Stadium in Columbia from May 21 through May 23, testing players and spectators alike with soaring temperatures, thick humidity and sudden, heavy rain.
Eastside entered the Division II‑AAAAA final with an early breakthrough, as Ryder Martin slipped a precise strike into the net during the 16th minute, only for Chapin to level the contest just before halftime via a converted penalty from Lucas Rogers.
A Rain‑Soaked Battle at Memorial Stadium
The match stretched into a 30‑minute overtime period, leaving the score dead‑locked at 1‑1 and setting the stage for a dramatic penalty shootout that would decide the championship.
During the shootout, Eastside’s keeper Brandon Jaramillo became the linchpin, denying successive attempts while his side answered back with goals from Frazor Kazian and Hunter Kazian, the latter’s finish off Gabe Salisbury’s foot sealing the victory.
Coach Steven Wood later praised his squad’s resilience, emphasizing that the team’s heart and determination shone through the adverse conditions and the pressure of the shootout.
Penalty Drama Seals Seventh Title
The triumph marks Eastside’s seventh state title and their first since 2022, cementing the program’s legacy in South Carolina soccer.
Chapin, finishing the season at 18‑5, saw all five of its defeats arrive via penalty kicks, a statistic that left coach Bob Taylor disappointed yet proud of his team’s effort.
The weather’s role cannot be overstated; the combination of heat, humidity and rain not only tested physical endurance but also influenced tactical decisions, making the final a true test of mental fortitude.