NEW SMYRNA BEACH — Loaded with seniors determined to take the final steps to completing a state championship soccer mission, New Smyrna Beach continued its perfect start Monday night by prevailing in a battle of local unbeatens.

Brooks Beeman and Weston DeSoto scored a goal apiece to lead the host Barracudas to a 2-1 victory over Spruce Creek at the New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex. The 'Cudas improved to 6-0, having outscored their opponents 30-3.

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Winning streaks are becoming commonplace for New Smyrna Beach. Last season, the 'Cudas won 15 straight and went 19 games undefeated, all the way through to the Region 2-6A final — a 4-0 loss to eventual state champion Viera.

"We're very experienced right now and tending to lean on that in games, giving those younger guys a standard to live up to," New Smyrna Beach coach Brandon Cisneros said. "A lot of these seniors have a lot of varsity time, with playoffs and travel. That sets up well to go deep into the playoffs this year.

"Obviously, we made it to the region final last year, and we know how bitter it was to exit the tournament at that time. A lot of these kids played in that game, so they know what it takes. I can see a lot in their eyes. It's just a different mindset. They're still the same kids, but the demeanor and the way they are approaching games and practices is just that extra little bit that I think we need to turn that corner."

The Barracudas have notched 49 victories — and counting — over the last four seasons. They advanced beyond the first round in both the 2020-21 and '21-22 playoffs, and then went three rounds deep last season for the first time since 1999.

Cisneros said his squad dealt with several key injuries throughout last year's campaign. Monday's goal scorers, as an example, each missed significant time. Beeman missed the first half with a left ankle fracture, and DeSoto went down with a season-ending injury in December.

"I was super excited for this season," Beeman said. "I'm most likely going to play in college, but this is the last time playing with all my friends. I'm trying to make the most of it."

Beeman fired the 'Cudas into the lead in the sixth minute, tracking down a long, diagonal ball from Hugues Iguaran and lashing it past Hawks goalkeeper Evan Achterberg on a half-volley. DeSoto doubled the advantage shortly after halftime with a calm finish on a counterattacking breakaway.

New Smyrna Beach could have been out of sight before the second hydration break. DeSoto clipped the crossbar, and the 'Cudas missed another handful of chances to tap into an open goal.

"We're good at building out (from the back) and creating chances," Beeman said. "That's all we can ask for. We just need to practice finishing our chances."

Spruce Creek, which entered with an identical 5-0 record at an average of four goals per game, pulled one back when Tristan Bodnar converted a controversial penalty kick in the 64th minute. The Hawks had two previous penalty attempts, and 'Cudas keeper Dylan Dongilli saved them both.

However, officials ruled for two retakes due to encroachment, claiming Dongilli left the goal line before Bodnar struck both of his shots. Dongilli and Miles Markland were shown yellow cards for dissent, and the senior midfielder scored facing backup shot-stopper Kevin Hurley.

New Smyrna Beach clamped down defensively with its trio of centerbacks, led by reigning Volusia-Flagler Player of the Year Joel Smith. The Hawks generated a couple of set pieces in the final 15 minutes but were unable to convert for the tying goal.

The 'Cudas will stay busy throughout December, opting to play in the post-Christmas Mike Stone Invitational in Tavares. Prior to that, New Smyrna Beach will have difficult road matches against Lake Highland Prep and Seabreeze.

Cisneros hopes to build squad depth throughout December in case of an injury crisis, while also building a résumé strong enough to potentially secure the No. 1 seed in the region this time around.

In his mind, this group of 'Cudas is prepared to clear the final hurdles and make history.

"Obviously, Viera is a very respectable team," Cisneros said. "For us to go up against them (last year), and for that to be our only loss, I feel like it shapes us up positively. If we can face the best, that's scary for everybody else that we get to face. We know what the expectations are."

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: High school soccer: New Smyrna Beach reloads for Class 6A title run