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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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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!