Following an exhilarating series of events that have taken place over the course of the past few weeks, we're finally approaching the UIL Soccer state championship.
Katy ISD was well-represented in the Regional Tournament, with teams such as Cinco Ranch, Katy Jordan, and Seven Lakes in the fold. However, the Spartans now hold the remarkable distinction of having both the boys' and girl's teams preparing to compete in Georgetown on Friday.
Goose Creek Memorial extends their tremendous season by reaching the State Tournament for the first time in program history, and are the last remaining Houston-based team in the Class 5A playoffs.
As teams and fans prepare to travel to Birkelbach Field this week, it's time to examine the best that H-Town has to offer in the State Final Four.
...
Seven Lakes Spartans vs. Duncanville Panthers (Boys)
Photo acquired via Twitter (@KatyISDAthletic)
It's no secret that Seven Lakes has been one of the state's most dominant programs in recent memory. Reaching the State Tournament three years in a row speaks for itself.
The Spartans (23-1-2) reminded audiences of that when they claimed a 4-0 victory over a familiar and formidable opponent Cinco Ranch this past Saturday.
Coach James Krueger was very clear about what the team's mission was prior to their playoff run, and that was to progressively make their way back to Georgetown, in hopes of becoming the first Class 6A team to go back-to-back.
Seven Lakes' star-studded roster consists of Kortay Koc, Ben Aviles Vera, Aidan Morrison, Noa Stasic, and Daniel Ejerenwa, among others.
They're only two games away from completing their mission, and it begins with Duncanville on Friday.
The Panthers (20-2-3) are coming off a thriller against Cy Woods, in which they emerged victorious on a score of 1-0.
Under the direction of coach Nuno Passos, D'Ville enters the state final-four for the first time since 1986.
They feature the talents of Nathanael Zozaya, Jesus Diaz, and Leonardo Coronado, just to name a few.
Seven Lakes Spartans vs. Prosper Eagles (Girls)
Photo acquired via Twitter (@KatyISDAthletic)
Both the Seven Lakes Girls and Boys team celebrate their Region III Championship
It's been another tremendous year for coach Kaitlyn Eidson and company, as the Spartans return to the state tournament for the first time in over a decade.
Seven Lakes (19-3-5) is coming off clutch wins against Pearland (3-0) and rival Katy Jordan (2-1) and look to carry that momentum all the way to Birkelbach Field this Friday.
They were buoyed by the instrumental performances of Wagoner Towsen and Maria Castro on the attack, while Sydney Hill, Valerie Trinh, and Carly Drescher anchor a stifling Spartan defense.
The Katy ISD reps now look to face Prosper in the State Semis.
Coach Matt Dickinson and the Eagles (24-2-2) reach the State Tournament for the first time in program history, on the heels of a thrilling game over Marcus, which saw them win in a penalty shootout (4-2).
Prosper is headlined by the talents of Maggie Manning, Brooklyn Miller, Reagan Roberts, and Olivia Hess.
Goose Creek Memorial Patriots vs. Midlothian Panthers (Boys)
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
What a year it has been for Goose Creek Memorial Soccer!
While the girls' program made history by reaching the fourth round, the boys are on a momentous run of their own, having reached the State Tournament for the first time in school history.
Coach William Freeman's roster is loaded from top to bottom, with the likes of Carlos Gonzalez, Ramon Diaz, Christian Velasco, and Oliver Reyes propelling the Patriots to new heights.
Their lock-down defense (only 23 goals allowed in 2024) is complemented by a relentless attack that has scored over 100 goals on the year, and will undoubtedly come into play when GCM plays Midlothian this Friday.
The Panthers (23-2-3) are heading to Georgetown for the first time as well, following their 3-0 win over Burgess this past Saturday.
Midlothian has put up similar stats under the direction of coach Austin Guest, and are headlined by Ayden Hildreth, Landon Exley, Caden Naizer, and Kyle Allen.
