Kingwood downs Forney on PKs for state title

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

GEORGETOWN, TEXAS (April 11, 2026) The Kingwood girls soccer team brought home the UIL Class 6A Division II state title on Saturday. The Mustangs beat Forney in a thrilling match that went to penalty kicks. It was an exciting day for Houston soccer fans.

The game took place in Georgetown, Texas. Forney scored first in the opening half. Addison Smith put the ball in the net about 33 minutes into the match. Kingwood stayed strong and kept fighting.
With just 46 seconds left in regular time, Kingwood senior midfielder Tyler Weaver (shown above right, white kit) tied the score at 1-1. Her goal sent the game into overtime. Both teams played hard for two extra periods, but no one scored again.
In the end, Kingwood won the shootout 4-2. The Mustangs stayed calm and made their kicks count. Forney played a great season too, but Kingwood came out on top.Kingwood finished the year with an amazing record of 27-0-2. They went the whole season without a loss. This marks their first state championship since 1999 and the third in program history.

Klein Cain wins second straight soccer title

Photo by
Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

GEORGETOWN, TEXAS (April 11, 2026) The Klein Cain Hurricanes are champions once again.

The Hurricanes beat the Atascocita Eagles 1-0 on Saturday to claim their second straight UIL Class 6A Division I boys soccer state title. It was a tough, low-scoring game between two strong Houston-area teams.

Both teams played hard on defense the whole match. They each had 15 fouls called on them. The game stayed scoreless for a long time. Atascocita had a big chance with a penalty kick in the first half, but Klein Cain goalie Donato Farina made a great diving save to keep the score 0-0.

Late in the game, Klein Cain finally broke through. Senior midfielder Noah Ballard (No. 23, shown above) stepped up and kicked a free kick from 26 yards out. The ball flew into the net with just under six minutes left. That goal was all the Hurricanes needed.

Atascocita pushed hard to tie the game, but Klein Cain’s defense held strong. Farina and his teammates made key stops to protect the lead.

Klein Cain finished the season 19-3-5. This win makes them the second Houston-area boys team to repeat as state champions in recent years.

Highland Park forfeits state soccer title after using ineligible player

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

GEORGETOWN, TEXAS (April 13, 2025) It was a night of highs and lows for the Highland Park boys soccer team. On Friday, they celebrated their biggest win ever, a 2-0 victory over Liberty Hill in the UIL Class 5A Division II state championship. But just hours later, the team had to give up the title.

Highland Park staff found out after the game that one of their players was not eligible to play. After a quick investigation, the school confirmed the mistake and reported it to the University Interscholastic League, which oversees high school sports in Texas. According to UIL rules, a team must forfeit any game where an ineligible player takes the field. So, Liberty Hill was awarded the state championship.

This would have been Highland Park’s first-ever state soccer title. The team had only made it to the state championship game once before, back in 1987. Players, coaches, and fans were excited to make history, but that celebration didn’t last long.

In a statement posted on social media, Highland Park ISD shared the news with parents and fans, saying, 

“Highland Park High School has confirmed the student's ineligibility, and the district will be self-reporting the incident to the UIL immediately. This results in a forfeiture in the state championship game.” 

They also thanked the team for their hard work and sportsmanship during the season.

Highland Park’s situation is not the only one this season. Progreso High School also had to forfeit a playoff match earlier in the tournament because of an ineligible player. Their semifinal game was canceled just minutes before it was supposed to start.

Katy Seven Lakes down Flower Mound in nail-biting state 6A final

Story and photo Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

GEORGETOWN, TEXAS (April 13, 2024) In a thrilling showdown at Birkelbach Field, Flower Mound's hopes for a second state soccer championship were dashed in a heart-pounding battle against Katy Seven Lakes. Despite a valiant effort, Flower Mound fell short in a 2-1 defeat in the UIL 6A boys state final.

The game was a true test of grit and determination, with both teams leaving everything on the field. Flower Mound, coming off a strong 2-0 semifinal victory over Austin Vandegrift, entered the final match ready to give it their all.

Coach David Doyle praised his team's resilience, noting their ability to thrive under pressure. Flower Mound found themselves trailing early but fought back fiercely, equalizing the match with a brilliant goal from Landon DeLeeuw.

However, Katy Seven Lakes proved to be a formidable opponent, with Aidan Morrison delivering a stunning 30-yard free kick in the second overtime to secure the victory. Morrison's performance showcased why he was the 2023 Gatorade National Player of the Year.

Despite being outshot by their opponents, Flower Mound refused to back down, thanks in part to the heroic efforts of goalkeeper Morgan English, who made several crucial saves throughout the match.

Olivia Hess leads Prosper Eagles to first UIL 6A soccer title

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2024
All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

GEORGETOWN, TEXAS (April 13, 2024) In a thrilling showdown at Birkelbach Field on Saturday, Olivia Hess (shown right) became the hero for Prosper High School, securing the school's first-ever UIL 6A state title in girls' soccer. Hess, a talented player who has committed to Baylor, delivered the game-winning goal off a free kick with just over 26 minutes left on the clock. The Dallas-area team, with a stellar performance from goalie Maggie Manning, held on to a slim 1-0 lead against Austin Westlake.

It was a historic moment for Prosper, as they made their debut appearance in the state tournament. Their journey culminated in a championship victory, marking a significant milestone for the program. The win also extended the Dallas-area's dominance in UIL girls' soccer, with all state titles in all three classifications claimed by local teams for the third consecutive year.

Throughout the match, Prosper's defense stood strong, anchored by standout players like Beya Rosales, Rhiannon Mahon, and freshman Trinity Morrow. Their collective effort, coupled with Manning's crucial saves, kept Westlake at bay, denying them any opportunity to equalize.

Despite facing strong opposition, Prosper showcased their resilience and determination. Although they were unlucky to hit the crossbar twice in the first half, including a powerful strike from Hess, they remained focused and composed.

Westlake, despite their best efforts, fell short in their quest for a state title, extending their drought to four state-tournament appearances without a championship win. Despite a valiant effort, they couldn't break through Prosper's formidable defense.

As the final whistle blew, jubilation swept through the Prosper camp, celebrating a historic triumph. For Hess and her teammates, their hard work and dedication had paid off, etching their names into the annals of their school's history with a memorable victory.

Midlothian Panthers make history with first-ever UIL state soccer championship

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

GEORGETOWN, TEXAS (April 13, 2024) The Midlothian High School Panthers boys soccer team achieved a remarkable feat on Saturday, securing its first-ever state UIL Division 5A state title in program history in a thrilling 3-1 victory over Frisco Wakeland at Birkelbach Field. 

The win marked the culmination of a remarkable journey for the team, which advanced to its first state tournament appearance and then swiftly progressed to the title game within a span of just 48 hours. Senior forward Landon Exley became the hero of the day with a crucial goal in the 79th minute, assisted by Ayden Hildreth, sealing the victory for Midlothian. Head coach Austin Guest attributed the team’s success to their collective effort and hard work throughout the playoffs, highlighting the players' commitment to working together as a unit.

The championship match saw a dramatic turn of events, with Wakeland taking an early lead courtesy of senior midfielder Thomas Hayes. However, Midlothian quickly responded, with senior midfielder Caden Naizer leveling the score with a penalty kick just a minute later. The teams remained deadlocked at one goal apiece heading into halftime.

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

Midlothian came out strong in the second half, with Hildreth’s header off a corner kick by Naizer in the 46th minute giving them the lead. Hildreth (shown left), who finished the regular season as one of the top scorers in the Dallas area, earned the game's MVP honors for his outstanding performance.

The victory over Wakeland, a perennial soccer powerhouse, marks a significant milestone for Midlothian, which demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the tournament. Senior goalkeeper Kyle Allen played a crucial role in securing the win, making eight saves in the title game.

For the Panthers, the road to the championship was paved with challenges, including a tough semifinal match against Baytown Goose Creek Memorial, which they won 3-0. Junior midfielder Marcus Manu, Naizer, and Hildreth each contributed a goal in the semifinal victory.

The triumph over Wakeland also carries historical significance for the Dallas-area soccer scene, marking the first time since 2021 that a Frisco ISD school did not claim the boys soccer state title. Wakeland, a nine-time state finalist, has been a dominant force in Texas high school soccer, but Midlothian's victory underscores the team's determination and resilience.

Frisco Wakeland claims another girl's state title

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography, Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

GEORGETOWN, TEXAS (April 13, 2024) The Frisco Wakeland girls soccer team (shown left) clinched another state championship in a thrilling showdown against Colleyville Heritage. The UIL Division 5A game, held at Birkelbach Field, saw Wakeland secure a 3-2 victory, marking their fourth state title since 2018.

The magic started in the 47th minute when sophomore forward Audrey Gilbert scored a header, assisted by sophomore defender Sophie Altieri. Gilbert, who was named the match's MVP, wasn't done yet, adding another goal in the 63rd minute off a pass from sophomore midfielder Finley McKnight. Though Colleyville Heritage fought back with two late goals, Wakeland's Anna Carrera sealed the win in the 68th minute.

Wakeland's journey to the championship was marked by dominant performances. They shut out all five playoff opponents leading up to the final, showcasing their defensive prowess. Goalkeeper Claire Manis came up big in the penalty shootout against Leander Rouse, making two crucial saves to secure their spot in the title game.

With only five seniors on the roster, Wakeland's success speaks to the depth and talent of their team. They maintained an impressive average of 4.5 goals per game during the regular season while allowing just 0.6 goals on average from opponents.

The championship match highlighted the strength of girls soccer in the Dallas area, with Wakeland and Colleyville Heritage continuing the tradition of competitive matchups. This year's final marked the third consecutive year that Dallas-area teams faced off for the 5A title.

For Colleyville Heritage, despite a valiant effort, it wasn't their year to reclaim the championship. However, their journey to the final showcased their offensive prowess and marked their first appearance in the title game since 2011.

Seven Lakes downs Dobie 6-0, Advances to UIL State 6A Tournament

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

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By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved 

DEER PARK, TEXAS (April 8, 2023) A goal with 15 minutes remaining in the first half gave Katy Seven Lakes a 1-0 lead going into halftime, which led to a 6-0 downing of Pasadena Dobie at Abshier Stadium in Deer Park,

The No. 1 ranked Spartans (26-1-1) took control of the game early and kept the No. 3 ranked Longhorns on their toes; trying to fins a way around the stingy Seven Lakes defense. The first score of the game, which occurred at the 24:38 mark of the first half, found Daniel Jerenwa in the right place at the right time. The junior defender drilled the ball from the top right of the box, past Dobie goalkeeper Geo Arango to give the Spartans the early lead.

Seven Lakes came back in the second half and scored two additional goals to ensure the trip to the state semifinals. With 27 minutes remaining  Noa Stasic scored a fourth for the Spartans in the 61st minute  and two minutes later Diego Flamecno curled a shot past the keeper and into the corner of the net to increase the Spartans lead to five. Then with just a minute left in the game, Sebastian Ranz volleyed in a goal off a cross as the celebrations began early for the Spartans.

The game was definitely the best test of Seven Lakes' ability this season, Dobie came into the game with a 24-0-4 record; averaging four goals per game.