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EXTRA TIME: Previewing the 2025 UIL Soccer State Finals--Stratford v. FM Marcus (Girls 6A-D2)
The pinnacle of the UIL soccer season has arrived, with teams and their fanbases heading to Birkelbach Field in Georgetown for an unforgettable finish.
Kicking off Saturday’s events, the 6A-Division II state final between Stratford and Flower Mound Marcus promises to be a clash of titans.
Stratford has already made history by reaching the state semifinals for the first time, and they’ve taken it a step further with a thrilling 1-0 victory over Austin powerhouse Vandegrift last Friday.
This victory not only earned them a spot in the final but also extended their winning streak to 19 games.
The Spartans, now 22-2-3, have been one of the most dominant teams in the state, combining an effective offense with a disciplined defense.
With 143 goals scored in 27 games (roughly five per match) and only 14 goals conceded, Stratford has been a force to be reckoned with.
Under the leadership of coach David Walters, the Spartans have relied on their veteran captains— Auburn-signee Allison Goodwin (F), Ryann Weber (MF/Samford), Mary-Charlotte Paul (MF), and goalkeeper Olivia Harbison—who have been pivotal throughout their postseason run.
The same can be said for SHSU-commit Sara Benton (Jr. MF) and junior forward Sydney Valentine.
Though they are ranked No. 32 in Texas according to MaxPreps, Stratford has an opportunity to finish at the top of the 6A-Division II rankings with a win on Saturday.
Flower Mound Marcus, from Lewisville ISD, enters the final battle-tested and looking for their third state title.
No. 17-ranked Marcus (18-4-3) has enjoyed yet another tremendous postseason, defeating the defending 6A champions, Prosper, 1-0 last Tuesday, followed by a solid 2-0 win against Forney on Friday.
This marks their eighth appearance in the state tournament, and they’re aiming to add to their championship legacy, having last won the title in 2023 with a 2-0 victory over Ridge Point.
The Erin Smith-led Marauders boast a roster full of talent, with key players such as senior forwards Maddie Hayes and Emma Fioretti (Central Oklahoma-commit), junior defender Piper Garcia (American U), and senior midfielders Hannah Campos and Zemira Dube (Missouri Southern), all of whom have played critical roles in the team’s success.
Senior goalkeeper Aubrey Tipton has also been a standout, consistently coming through in crucial moments, while sophomore captain Ryleigh Albin anchors the back-line.
Saturday’s opener between Stratford and Flower Mound Marcus is sure to be a spectacle, as the two battle for 6A-D2 supremacy at 11:00 AM at Birkelbach Field.
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EXTRA TIME: Previewing the 2025 UIL Soccer State Finals--Wakeland v. Cedar Park (Girls 5A-D2)
After an enthralling postseason filled with dramatic moments, the UIL soccer season culminates this week at Birkelbach Field in Georgetown.
With the divisions now split, the stage is set for a thrilling finish, and one matchup in particular promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
In the 5A-Division II girls’ final, defending state champion Wakeland faces off against Cedar Park in what is expected to be a fast-paced, high-stakes showdown.
Wakeland enters the Final on an impressive 15-game winning streak, having steamrolled through the competition, including a 3-0 win over Grapevine in the State Semis last Friday. With an undefeated record of 24-0-1, the Wolverines have solidified their place as the No. 5-ranked team in Texas (MaxPreps).
Led by head coach Jimmie Lankford, Wakeland’s strength lies in its depth.
Sophomore defender Dilan Pistorius is a standout, contributing to both the defense and the attack. She’s supported by a talented core, including forwards Morgan Landry, Kennedy Clark, and Audrey Gilbert (Mizzou-commit), as well as midfielder Kendi Smith and goalkeeper Claire Manis (Idaho)—each playing key roles in the postseason run.
Should Wakeland claim victory on Friday, it would mark the program's fifth state title since the school’s inception in 2006 and their third in the last four seasons.
However, Cedar Park is a similarly formidable opponent, determined to disrupt Wakeland’s dynasty.
The Timberwolves (24-2-1) are on a 15-game unbeaten streak, their last loss coming on January 17 against, coincidentally, Wakeland (4-2). This familiarity between the teams adds extra intrigue to the final, as both sides are well aware of what to expect.
Under the guidance of coach Winston Pool, Cedar Park has surged to its first State Final appearance since 2002, dominating Barbers Hill 4-0 in the semifinals.
Despite having a youthful lineup, including a dynamic freshman class, the Timberwolves have shown they can compete with the best.
Offensively, Cedar Park relies on the scoring prowess of senior Meredith Koltz (Belmont-commit) and freshman Blake Gilkey, who lead the team in scoring, with 26 and 25 goals, respectively.
Defenders Sofia Peters and Alivia Towns have been crucial in both offensive and defensive transitions, while sophomore goalkeeper Emma Hart has been stellar between the posts.
This marks the fifth time Cedar Park has reached the State Tournament, but they’ve yet to secure a championship. With the taste of history on the line, expect the Timberwolves to come out with everything they’ve got.
The stage is set for an unforgettable clash between two powerhouse programs. Wakeland and Cedar Park will battle for glory this Friday at 11:00 AM in Georgetown.