League: MLS Sport: Soccer Category: Scores & Results

Tavares faces player exodus while Eustis embraces new coach's approach

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 5:15 AM

Last updated Aug 18, 2026

Tavares faces player exodus while Eustis embraces new coach's approach

Summary

Tavares coach Gavin Jones is grappling with the loss of 18 players due to transfers as the season nears. In contrast, Eustis, under new coach Tanner Harris, reports stronger retention with only one transfer. Tavares, once seen as a contender, now has only 27 players available for its spring game, prompting Jones to remove South Lake from their schedule. Eustis, despite a rough past season with a 1-9 record, has seen an increase in player participation, reaching about 65 kids practicing together. Eustis aims to build on its roster's youth as it prepares for a fresh start.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Tavares lost 18 players to transfers ahead of the season.
•Eustis gained momentum under new coach Tanner Harris.
•Jones expressed frustration about poaching during Central Florida Media Days.
•Tavares has 27 players available for its upcoming spring game.
•Eustis retains 65 players and aims for improvement after last year's difficulties.

Latest Updates

5:15 AMYahoo Sports — Transfers hit Tavares hard; new coach energizes Eustis | 3A football

What they're saying

"
While Tavares coach Gavin Jones ponders how to replace 18 transfer players heading into the season, just down Route 441, new Eustis coach Tanner Harris is pumping some energy into a program that has had four coaches in three years. Liberty of Kissimmee also welcomes a new coach, the school’s eighth in 10 years. Jones made it known at Central Florida Media Days in July that he was not happy ...
— Yahoo Sports

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