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VYPE DFW Girls Soccer Game of the Week Preview: Flower Mound v. Byron Nelson (6A-D1 Region 1 Semis)
With a dominant 6-0 win over Richardson on Monday, Flower Mound has already surpassed last year’s postseason mark, advancing to the UIL 6A Region 1 Semifinals.
Under head coach Misail Tsapos, the Jaguars (14-4-1) enter the regional round ranked No. 8 in Texas, per MaxPreps.
Their playoff statement began in the first round with a dramatic 3-2 overtime comeback against Dallas powerhouse Allen, following a third-place finish in District 5-6A.
Flower Mound's success is built on a stifling defense, anchored by senior goalkeeper Addison Huber, which has allowed just one goal per game on average.
Complementing that back line is a high-powered attack (68 goals in 19 games), led by senior Alyssa Young—who netted the game-sealer against Allen—alongside Brooklyn Gray (So.), Riley Olsen (Sr.), and Jaylynn Traver (So.). Now just two wins away from a state tournament berth, the Jaguars aim to reclaim their 2021 championship form.
Their opponent, Byron Nelson (15-2-2), enters the semifinals fresh off key playoff victories over Mansfield (4-1) and Permian (3-1).
The Bobcats, led by head coach Scott Burke, also finished third in their district (4-6A) and have now reached the third round for the third consecutive year.
Byron Nelson has thrived with a balanced approach, boasting a disciplined defense that has conceded just 15 goals in 19 games while producing 63 goals on the attacking end.
Expect senior standouts Nadia Ortiz (MF), Sophia Moore (F/MF), Tano Uzezi-Itesa (F), Taylor Ketler (D), and Zino Uzezi-Itesa (D) to play pivotal roles in this crucial matchup.
These two Dallas-area contenders will battle on Friday (7:00 PM) at Tommy Briggs Stadium, for a coveted spot in the Regional Finals. Stay tuned to see who takes the next step toward a state title.
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STATE SEMIFINALS: Flower Mound Jaguars hunt for a repeat
With only four losses this season, the reigning state champions are making their way back to the state tournament where they look to repeat this season. Flower Mound has put in the work and they're reaping the rewards as they prepare to take on Pearland in the UIL Class 6A Baseball State Semifinals. VYPE DFW takes a look at their season and what fans can expect moving forward:
So Far
The likes of Garrett Wallace, Adrian Rodriguez, Wes Brown, Cody Brady, Adam Hawrylak, Sam Distel, Josh Glaser, Zane Becker, and other talented athletes began Flower Mound's hunt for a repeat early in non-district play as the team secured victories over tough opponents including Barbe, Opelousas Catholic, Gulfport, Arlington, Keller, Wylie, Aledo, Frisco Lone Star, and more. As they sharpened their skills and prepared for their district schedule, it was clear that there was going to be nothing that could possibly stand in the way of their goals this season.
In district play, the team went undefeated with a 14-0 record and a top-of-the-standings finish in their district. Victories over Flower Mound Marcus, Plano, Plano West, Lewisville, Coppell, and more powered their motivation and fire when inching toward postseason play. With determination, the team waltzed into the playoffs and took down Little Elm (7-1, 6-4), Dallas Jesuit (3-1, 10-0), Prosper (1-0, 5-3), Keller (1-6, 2-1, 10-4), and, most recently, Richardson's JJ Pearce (5-4, 0-3, 6-2) in order to punch their ticket back to the state tournament and continue their mission.
What to Expect
The team is searching for their third title in their fifth appearance at the state tournament. With titles in 2014 and 2023, the Jaguars are already used to this level of play and can be expected to play at their very best from the moment they step foot onto the diamond until the final moments of the last inning. Looking to take down Pearland, the team can be expected to bring the heat at the plate, but also remain focused and cohesive as a defensive unit. Pearland boasts a 36-8 record and can be expected to be one of the biggest challenges Flower Mound has seen so far this season. Remaining determined should help power the team to the state finals in Round Rock, Texas!