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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--Walnut Grove v. SA Southwest (Boys 5A-D1)
The stage is set for an exciting showdown in the UIL 5A-Division I State Final as Walnut Grove and San Antonio Southwest face off this Friday at 6:30 PM at Birkelbach Field in Georgetown.
Both teams have made history by reaching the state final for the first time, and now, they’ll battle for their first-ever state championship.
Walnut Grove enters the final with an imposing undefeated record of 24-0-2, having sealed their spot in the title match with a dominant 5-1 victory over Americas in the state semifinals last Friday.
The Wildcats’ run to the State Final Four marks the program’s first-ever appearance at this stage, and they are determined to cap off their historic year with a title.
Under the leadership of head coach Trent Kutch, Walnut Grove has relied on a potent offense and solid teamwork throughout the season.
Junior midfielder Mason Kutch (DePaul-commit) has been a standout, leading the charge with 36 goals and 20 assists. His skill and vision have been crucial to the team’s success in 2025.
Supporting him are seniors Ben Joyner (18 goals) and Christian Nardelli (11 goals), who bring additional firepower to the attack, while senior midfielder Carson Stiglets (10 assists) ensures the midfield runs smoothly and provides key distribution.
On the other side of the field, San Antonio Southwest is enjoying a remarkable season of their own.
The Dragons have gone 25-1 thus far, and they are coming off a 5-0 victory over Angleton in the state semifinals, a dominant performance that further solidified their place in the final.
Coached by Juan Romero, Southwest boasts a relentless offense, scoring an impressive 135 goals in just 26 games this season—an average of nearly five goals per match. This firepower is complemented by an equally efficient defense, which has allowed just 11 goals all year.
Southwest features a trio of prolific scorers: junior forward Caleb Barajas, senior forward Cesar Angel, and sophomore Alfredo Plascencia. Together, they’ve tormented opposing defenses all season.
In addition, defenders Sebastian Huerta (sophomore) and Valente Leon (senior midfielder) are vital to both the team’s defensive solidity and attacking transitions.
The emergence of freshman goalkeeper Emiliano Romo has also been a game-changer, as he has kept 13 clean sheets this season, providing a reliable last line of defense.
History will soon be made, as both Walnut Grove and SA Southwest contend for their first-ever title, in the UIL 5A-D1 Final, taking place Friday (6:30 PM) at Birkelbach Field.