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EXTRA TIME: Previewing the 2025 UIL Soccer State Finals--Alief Elsik v. Klein Cain (Boys 6A-D1)
In Saturday's 6A-Division I state championship, two Houston-area teams—Alief Elsik and Klein Cain—will square off in a matchup that has taken many by surprise.
Some of the stars of 2024-25 Alief Elsik SoccerDoug Brown (VYPE)
Alief Elsik enters the final on the heels of two monumental victories last week.
First, the Rams knocked off back-to-back 6A champions Seven Lakes with a dominant 5-1 performance. They followed that with a crucial 1-0 win over Vista Ridge on Friday, securing a spot in the championship and earning Whataburger Team of the Week honors.
With a 24-2 record heading into the final, Elsik has proven to be a force to be reckoned with.
Head Coach Vincenco Cox and his squad have demonstrated impressive cohesion at every phase of the game.
Defensively, senior defenders Chris Guillen and Michael Ochoche-Ochoche have anchored a shutdown back line, while the midfield and attack have been driven by the talents of Jacob Ordonez, Asa Marsh, and Jhon Marulanda-Morena, all seniors.
Last week’s Semifinal marked Elsik's fourth appearance at the State Tournament, with their last trip coming in 2019. The Rams will be hungry to add another state title to their 2018 victory, when they defeated San Antonio Reagan 1-0.
On the other side, Klein Cain is riding a wave of unprecedented success.
2024-25 Klein Cain SoccerJamey Wright (VYPE)
The Hurricanes are making their first-ever appearance in the State Final since the school opened in 2017.
They punched their ticket to the championship with a dramatic 7-6 penalty shootout victory over Plano West after a 1-1 draw in Friday’s Semifinal. Prior to that, Klein Cain secured a 1-0 win over Bridgeland in the Region II-6A-D1 Final.
With a 23-2-3 record, Coach Jerson Carrasco and co. are looking to cap off a historic season with a state title.
Offensively, look for senior forward Andre Popa and junior forward Parker Glenn to put pressure on Elsik's defense, while captains Evan Messina (senior defender) and Daniel Celis (junior defender) will lead the charge against the Rams' equally potent attack.
At 6:30 PM on Saturday, these two H-Town heavyweights will clash at Birkelbach Field in a battle for the 6A-Division I crown.