GAMES
RANKINGS
Seven Lakes celebrates their 2nd straight UIL-6A State Title, after defeating Flower Mound in extra time
THE ECHELON: VYPE HOU 2024 Preseason Soccer Rankings; Seven Lakes, Bridgeland, K-Park start in 1st
Now that the Fall is reaching its final stages, it's time for teams to lace up for what should be another exemplary season on the soccer pitch.
In the Class 6A boys arena, Seven Lakes gears up to defend their back-to-back state championship among a ruthless gauntlet of opponents in Region III, such as district rivals Cinco Ranch and Katy Jordan, as well as Humble, Ridge Point, Kingwood, and Strake Jesuit.
Region II isn't going to be any easier, with The Woodlands, Bridgeland, College Park, and Cypress Woods back in the fold.
Meanwhile, Kingwood Park and Terry headline the 5A classification, after both advanced to their respective Regional Semis last Winter.
On the girls' side, Bridgeland looks to remedy their exit in the third round of the previous postseason, with Tomball, Tomball Memorial, The Woodlands, and Grand Oaks remaining formidable adversaries to contend with in Region II-6A.
However, Region III will be even closer, as Katy Jordan, Stratford, Seven Lakes, Ridge Point, Pearland, Houston Memorial, Summer Creek, and Tompkins having something to prove in 2025.
Kingwood Park sits at the No.1 spot in the girls' field of play, as well. But, Lake Creek, Friendswood, and Santa Fe could have something to say about that in the coming months.
As the season's first kick-off draws nearer, let's break down the best of the best when it comes to H-Town Soccer
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VYPE HOUSTON BOYS PRESEASON RANKINGS
*Last section indicates 2024 result (W-L-T)
CLASS 6A TOP-20 (BOYS)
1. Seven Lakes Spartans -- 25-1-2 (UIL-6A State Champions)
2. Cinco Ranch Cougars -- 17-4-4 (Region III-6A Finalists)
3. The Woodlands Highlanders -- 22-2-3 (Regional Semifinalists)
4. Katy Jordan Warriors -- 13-8-4 (Regional Quarterfinalists)
5. Humble Wildcats -- 19-6-1 (Regional Semifinalists)
6. College Park Cavaliers -- 19-3-3 (Regional Quarterfinalists)
7. Ridge Point Panthers-- 21-2-1 (Bi-Distrist Finalists)
8. Kingwood Mustangs -- 16-8-2 (Regional Semifinalists)
9. Cypress Woods Wildcats -- 17-5-4 (Region II-6A Finalists)
10. Bridgeland Bears -- 16-5-3 (Area Finalists)
11. Tompkins Falcons -- 15-6-4 (Area Finalists)
12. Strake Jesuit Crusaders -- 18-3-4 (Regional Quarterfinalists)
13. Conroe Tigers -- 17-6-2 (Area Finalists)
14. Alief Elsik Rams -- 19-3-4 (Regional Quarterfinalists)
15. Dobie Longhorns -- 18-3-2 (Area Finalists)
16. Goose Creek Memorial Patriots -- 21-4-2 (UIL-5A State Semifinalists)
17. Northbrook Raiders -- 16-8-1 (Regional Quarterfinalists)
18. Magnolia West Mustangs -- 19-5-4 (Regiona III-5A Finalists)
19. Clear Lake Falcons -- 16-4-2 (Bi-District Finalists)
20. Fulshear Chargers -- 15-4-4 (Area Finalists in 5A)
Honorable Mentions: Cypress Ranch, Alief Taylor, Summer Creek, Dawson, MacArthur, Paetow, Deer Park, North Shore, Channelview, Cypress Springs, Katy Taylor, Grand Oaks, Houston Wisdom, Pearland, Klein Forest, Cypress Ridge, Waller
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CLASS 5A TOP-10 (BOYS)
1. Kingwood Park Panthers -- 20-3-2 (Regional Semifinalists)
2. Terry Rangers -- 24-1-4 (Regional Semifinalists)
3. Spring Woods Tigers -- 12-6-4 (Area Finalists in 6A)
4. Crosby Cougars -- 17-5-2 (Area Finalists)
5. Randle Lions -- 13-8-1 (Area Finalists)
6. Lake Creek Lions -- 12-8-2 (Bi-District Finalists)
7. Angleton Wildcats -- 17-5-3 (Area Finalists)
8. Pasadena Eagles -- 6-11-3
9. Baytown Sterling Rangers -- 9-12-2 (Bi-District Finalists)
10. FB Kempner Cougars -- 7-9-3
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VYPE HOUSTON GIRLS PRESEASON RANKINGS
*Last section indicates 2024 result (W-L-T)
CLASS 6A TOP-20 (GIRLS)
1. Bridgeland Bears -- 21-1-2 (Regional Quarterfinalists)
2. Katy Jordan Warriors -- 17-5-5 (Region III-6A Finalists)
3. Stratford Spartans -- 20-2-4 (Regional Quarterfinalists)
4. Tomball Cougars -- 16-3-3 (Regional Semifinalists)
5. Seven Lakes Spartans -- 19-4-5 (UIL-6A State Semifinalists)
6. Tomball Memorial Wildcats -- 18-4-2 (Regional Semifinalists)
7. Ridge Point Panthers -- 20-2-3 (Area Finalists)
8. Pearland Oilers -- 19-4-3 (Regional Semifinalists)
9. Tompkins Falcons -- 17-5-2 (Area Finalists)
10. Houston Memorial Mustangs -- 15-7-3 (Regional Quarterfinalists)
11. The Woodlands Highlanders -- 16-7-2 (Area Finalists)
12. Summer Creek Bulldogs -- 15-7-3 (Area Finalists)
13. Grand Oaks Grizzlies -- 15-4-5 (Area Finalists)
14. Katy Tigers -- 15-5-3 (Bi-District Finalists)
15. Klein Bearkats -- 16-8-3 (Regional Quarterfinalists)
16. Kingwood Mustangs -- 16-5-4 (Area Finalists)
17. Brazoswood Buccaneers -- 10-9-4 (Regional Semifinalists)
18. Atascocita Eagles -- 18-5-3 (Regional Quarterfinalists)
19. Cypress Ranch Mustangs -- 15-4-3 (Bi-District Finalists)
20. Clear Springs Chargers -- 15-7-3 (Area Finalists)
Honorable Mentions: Clear Lake, Cypress Woods, Goose Creek Memorial, Fulshear, Dawson, MacArthur, Magnolia, Klein Oak, Cinco Ranch, FB Clements, Cy-Fair, Klein Cain, Aldine, Houston Lamar, Foster, George Ranch, Katy Taylor, Clear Falls
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CLASS 5A TOP-10 (GIRLS)
1. Kingwood Park Panthers -- 19-4 (Area Finalists)
2. Lake Creek Lions -- 15-5-3 (Area Finalists)
3. Friendswood Mustangs -- 21-5 (Regional Quarterfinalists)
4. Santa Fe Indians -- 13-6-4 (Regional Quarterfinalists)
5. Crosby Cougars -- 15-9-3 (Bi-District Finalists)
6. Barbers Hill Eagles -- 15-6-3 (Bi-District Finalists)
7. Baytown Sterling Rangers -- 15-7-1
8. Angleton Wildcats -- 11-6-1 (Bi-District Finalists)
9. FB Kempner Cougars -- 12-13 (Area Finalists)
10. Randle Lions -- 11-11 (Area Finalists)
2023-24 Goose Creek Memorial Girls Soccer
IN IT TO WIN IT: Sizing up the UIL Soccer Regional Tourney
We're now reaching the closing stages of the UIL playoffs, which will undoubtedly showcase the best the state has to offer on the pitch.
Matchups such as Cinco Ranch v. Kingwood, Seven Lakes v. Pearland, The Woodlands v. Duncanville, and Goose Creek Memorial v. Georgetown should provide H-Town audiences with a show.
With a trip to State on the line, here's a break-down of the most pivotal matches in this week's Regional Tournament.
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Cinco Ranch Cougars vs. Kingwood Mustangs (Boys)
Photo acquired via Twitter (@CincoBSoccer)
The Cougars are in the midst of a historic playoff run, having reached the Regional Tournament for the first time since 2016.
Fresh off the heels of wins against Hightower (6-1), Jersey Village (3-0), and most recently Northbrook (2-0), Cinco Ranch brings their 2024 record to 16-3-4 as they prepare for Round No. 4.
Under the direction of coach Ryan Searle, the Cougs feature an exceptionally stingy defense -- one which has allowed just four goals in the last ten games -- that makes it strenuous for any opponent to contend with them.
Headlined by players such as Ossian Elgstrom (Sr. D), Andres Reira (Jr. F), Miguel Leite (Sr. F), and Noah Machart (Sr. GK), Cinco Ranch now looks to take on Kingwood.
The District 21-6A champions have shown considerable resiliency throughout both the regular season and playoffs, most recently upending Alief Elsik (2-0) in Monday's matchup.
As mentioned in the Round 3 preview, coach Bryan Jennings' squad is comprised of a significant number of seniors, who don't plan on letting their final season end just yet.
What's intriguing about this Regional Semis game -- which will take place at Abshier Stadium on Friday (7:30 pm) -- is that the victor could possibly play their district counterpart -- Seven Lakes or Humble -- in the Region III Final.
Speaking of which...
Photo acquired via Twitter (@khsmensvsoccer)
Seven Lakes Spartans vs. Humble Wildcats (Boys)
In pursuit of becoming the first back-to-back Class 6A state champs, Seven Lakes (21-1-2) has been on a mission all Winter.
They are coming off a nail-biter against a familiar district opponent, Katy Jordan, in which they claimed the win in a penalty shootout.
Coach James Krueger's roster features the championship-caliber talents of Kortay Koc, Noa Stasic, Aidan Morrison, and Ben Aviles Vera, as the Spartans look to travel to Deer Park's Abshier Stadium this Friday (5:30 pm).
On the other side of the pitch, the Wildcats reach the Regional Tourney for the first time since 2021, as a result of their definite 3-0 victory over Strake Jesuit on Tuesday.
After taking silver in District 21-6A, coach Saul Keene and company haven't looked back, with the ambition of reaching the Regional Final, which would mark the first time in decades.
Photo acquired via Twitter (@humblefutbol)
Goose Creek Memorial Patriots vs. Georgetown Eagles (Girls)
Doug Brown (VYPE)
GCM has defied expectations time and time again this Winter, which has carried over into the postseason with a vengeance.
The Patriots (17-6-4) are coming off a thrilling 1-0 victory against Santa Fe in the Regional Quarters, marking the furthest the team has advanced in program history.
This was preceded by playoff wins versus Randle (9-0) and Angleton (2-1), as coach Roman Huizar and the rest of Goose Creek Memorial look to keep their hot-streak rolling when they play Georgetown at Turner Stadium on Friday (11:00 am).
Georgetown (22-1-4) is a perennial power, having reached the State Semis in 2023, and they seek to play on their home field once again this year.
Their reputation speaks for itself, as coach Eduardo Venegas has returned several stars from that roster.
But, nothing ever comes easy when we're this far in the playoffs.
Kingwood Park Panthers vs. West Mesquite Wranglers (Boys)
Photo acquired via Twitter (@KPHS_Men_Soccer)
In just his third year with the program, coach Christian Boehm has guided the Panthers to their first appearance in the Regional Tournament since the 2020-21 season -- a year in which the team reached the Class 5A State Final.
K-Park's motto for the Winter is "Locked In" and that has certainly been the case as each week passes. Following wins against Hallsville (5-2), Lovejoy (4-0), and Longview (3-0), they now prepare to take on West Mesquite on Friday.
Boehm will look to his key play-makers -- Evan Jimerson, Finn Bruce, Luke Caballo, and Ronan Flaherty -- to keep the good times rolling.
The Wranglers (21-4-1) are led by coach Jeremiah Villarreal and enter Round No. 4 for the first time in program history.
Seven Lakes Spartans vs. Pearland Oilers (Girls)
Photo acquired via Twitter (@SLGirlsSoccer7)
The Spartans (17-3-5) enter the Region III Tournament for the first time since 2015, following their 2-0 win over Houston Memorial on Tuesday night.
While their attack is a worthy inclusion to their success, it's the Seven Lakes defense -- which has yet to allow a goal in the playoffs thus far -- that has proven to be the team's greatest asset.
As mentioned in the last round's break-down, coach Kaitlyn Eidson roster features a slew of stars -- namely Valerie Trinh, Wagoner Towsen, Carly Drescher, Kennedy Reed, and Olivia Orellana, among others.
Pearland (19-3-3) is on a historic run of their own, however, and they have plenty of star-power to contend with Spartans on the other side of the pitch
Caden Sparks, Kaelynn Pablo, Emma Merritt, Breanna Medina, and Savannah Epting have made the Oilers one of the top teams in the state, under the direction of coach Elise Cox.
This might be the closest matchup of the week, when these two face off at Abshier on Friday (12:30 pm).
Photo acquired via Twitter (@LadyOilerFutbol)
The Woodlands Highlanders vs. Duncanville Panthers (Boys)
Photo acquired via Twitter (@TWHSMensSoccer)
It's been another fruitful endeavor this Winter for the perennial super-power The Woodlands (22-1-3).
Coach Jason Fanning's squad reaches the fourth round of the playoffs for the third-consecutive year, and have their sights set on returning to Georgetown.
The Highlanders are coming off wins against Aldine (3-0), Waller (2-2 PKs), and Cypress Springs (4-1), and possess a loaded roster, with the likes of Henrique Caputo, Rodrigo Checa, Matyas Williams, and Emilio Balderas-Berg propelling the team forward.
They now look to face Duncanville (18-2-3) who enter the Region II Tournament after defeating Weiss (3-0), Rockwall (1-0), and most recently Garland (1-0).
The Panthers defense has been a difficult unit to play against, having allowed just 15 goals in 2024 thus far, under the direction of coach Nuno Passos.
Whoever emerges victorious from this clash could very well be the Region II representative in next week's state tournament.
Terry Rangers vs. Magnolia West Mustangs
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
The Rangers continue to make history this Winter, as they reach the Regional Semifinals for the first time in program history.
Not only that, but they still have yet to be defeated this season, as Terry boasts a record of 24-0-4.
Coach Drew Brenk's exemplary roster features the likes of Runyambo Muco (40 goals, 11 assists), Jesus Rivas-Guzman (32 goals, 35 assists), Samir Mohammed Nasim (15 goals, 17 assists), and senior goalkeeper Adrian Coria (139 saves, 14 shuotuts), just to name a few.
Now that we're into the nitty gritty of the postseason, however, there is no opponent who should be underestimated.
Speaking of which, Magnolia West (18-4-4) returns to Round No. 4 for the first time since the 2015-16 season, and look to extend that streak.
The attacking front for coach Matt Motakef's Mustangs is just as efficient, with 86 goals scored on the year, which should prove to be a factor when these two Class 5A power-houses clash this Friday.
Photo acquired via Twitter (@MWHSSoccer)