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2022-23 Ridge Point Girls Soccer
THE LAST OF US: Ridge Point Girls, Seven Lakes off to State
After several close matchups, only two Houston teams–Ridge Point Girls and Seven Lakes Boys– remain in the UIL-6A final four.
The entire Winter season has culminated in this upcoming finale, starting with the State Semifinals on Friday at Birklebach Field in Georgetown, TX, followed by the Title game on Saturday.
Here is the outlook for these H-Town clubs who are primed to cement their names in history.
Ridge Point Panthers (6A Girls Soccer)
2022-23 Ridge Point Girls Soccer
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
Ridge Point Panthers
2022-23 Regular Season: 15-0-2/District 20-6A Champions (14-0-2)
Overall Record: 23-0-5
Head Coach: Evelyn Torres (9th year at Ridge Point)
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: 1-0 Win v. Cinco Ranch
- Area Round: 4-0 Win v. Cy-Fair
- Regional Quarterfinals: 1-0 Win v. Seven Lakes
- Regional Semifinals: 1-0 Win v. Clear Lake
- Regional Finals: 3-0 Win v. Stratford
Regional Tournament MVP(s): "Our defensive line stood out in the Regional Tourney," said Head Coach Evelyn Torres. "Emma Lovell, Georgia Mulholland, Thaleia Caldwell, and Taylor Vinson protect our team and GK from any threats. Dayo Tennyson has incredible speed, and Hannah Warnken is the heart and soul of our team and gives it everything she has with her effort and hustle.
State Semifinals Matchup: v. Wylie East (28-0)
Keys to the Game: "Seizing the moment, playing great and rising up to the challenge," Torres said. "This aspect of the game is easier said than done. It's difficult getting here and you don't want to have any regrets when time expires."
Prospectus: Ridge Point is looking scarier than ever after knocking off the undefeated Stratford to seal their second-consecutive Region III Championship.
Last season saw the Panthers reach the State Semifinals only to fall to Rockwall in a heartbreaking 4-2 overtime defeat. Ridge Point will see to it that things play out differently, come this Friday.
"When the season ended last year in April to about November, we talked about getting back," said Torres. "That became our goal, our standard. However, once this year season started, as a group, we didn't talk about it much. We always focused on the game ahead of us. But if you asked everyone individually, that was their goal, get back to Georgetown."
The Fort Bend ISD reps are locked in, with a steadfast determination to claim their first-ever State Title.
"Winning a state championship for the team, for our school and for our school district would mean everything to us all. The girls have an opportunity to make school history."
Just two more wins to go.
Seven Lakes Spartans (6A Boys Soccer)
Seven Lakes after becoming Region 3 Champions
Seven Lakes Spartans
2022-23 Regular Season: 15-1-1/District 19-6A Champions (15-0-1)
Overall Record: 26-1-1
Head Coach: Jim Krueger (16th year at Seven Lakes)
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: 2-0 Win v. Fort Bend Austin
- Area Round: 2-0 Win v. Bellaire
- Regional Quarterfinals: 2-2 (4-3 Penalty Shootout) Win v. Cinco Ranch
- Regional Semifinals: 3-0 Win v. Clear Springs
- Regional Finals: 6-0 Win v. Dobie
Regional Tournament MVP(s): "The past Regional Tournament saw several players standing out," said Head Coach Jim Krueger. "In fact, the past two matches have been the most challenging in naming a Player of the Game. One of the keys to our success is that we have a number of players that can hurt you and that those players play with a team mindset."
State Semifinals Matchup: v. Garland Sachse (21-6-0)
Keys to the Game: "Sachse is going to be a technical side that looks to play direct," Krueger said. "They have high work rate. We will want to try to make them uncomfortable with our speed of play in the final half. They have gotten this far for a reason, we will need to continue to play at a high level to move on to the finals."
Prospectus: Seven Lakes is widely regarded as one of, if not the best soccer programs in the state of Texas, which is indicative of their preceding successes.
The Spartans are no stranger to the pressure that comes with being in the final four, considering they reached the State Semifinals a year ago, in which they were narrowly defeated 3-2 by Plano.
"Where we are today is something that has been built over years," said Krueger. "Each graduating class has worked towards leaving the badge in a better place. The continued competitive growth of our district has pushed us to get better each passing year. One of the most difficult things is staying on top once you get there. We know this and continue to work hard to remain in the conversation as being one of the best in the state."
Seven Lakes now has the opportunity to flip the script this weekend, as they prepare to make history for the school.
"A State Championship would be an amazing achievement," Krueger said. "It would be the first title won by a boys’ soccer team in Katy. We have had several teams get close over the years. It will eventually happen as the soccer here in Katy ISD is truly top notch. It definitely would be nice to be the ones to the hold the trophy over our heads at the end of the day this Saturday. I know our school is excited about the opportunity."
First up is Sachse. Stay tuned.
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The Woodlands Soccer celebrates their victory in the Regional Quarterfinals
RUN THIS TOWN: H-Town Soccer dominating 6A State Tourney
Out of the final 16 teams competing in the Regional Tournament, six are from the Houston area.
From Clear Springs to The Woodlands, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if any of these top-tier clubs will be competing for the State Championship in two weeks.
Here is the outlook for this week in H-Town Soccer
...
6A Boys Soccer
*Record Format: W-L-T (Tournament games not included)
*List is ordered alphabetically
Clear Springs Chargers
Photo acquired via Twitter: @CSHS_BoysSoccer
Clear Springs Chargers
2022-23 Regular Season: 9-4-5/District 24-6A Champions (8-1-3)
Head Coach: Kenny Webb
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: 0-0 (5-4 Penalty Shootout) Win v. Alief Taylor
- Area Round: 2-0 Win v. Summer Creek
- Regional Quarterfinals: 0-0 (4-2 Penalty Shootout) Win v. North Shore
Round 3 MVP(s): Senior GK Sam Bermudez & Senior CB Jesus "Chuy" Becerril--Both had a significant impact on limiting the North Shore attack, with Becerril, in particular, locking down their Center Striker, whereas Bermudez came in the clutch with several decisive saves.
Regional Semifinals Matchup: v. Seven Lakes
Keys to the Game: "Seven Lakes is an offensive juggernaut and equally talented in the back," said Coach Webb. "We will have to play our best game of the season just to keep it close. If our midfield can take some pressure of the back line by maintaining possession, we may have a chance."
Prospectus: Clear Springs has been one of the more underrated teams in the UIL Playoffs.
Throughout the postseason, the Chargers have proven to be a resilient bunch against some intimidating matchups, which is a testament to the defensive effort flummoxing the opposition's attack. Furthermore, two of their playoff games, thus far, have ended in PKs which gave Clear Springs' finest strikers the opportunity to make some crucial shots.
The last Clear Creek ISD representative will need that and then some to give a top team like Seven Lakes a run for their money, but that is what HC Kenny Webb is counting on.
"The boys have done a great job of denying opponents quality shots," Webb said. "It goes back to the defensive commitment the guys have displayed. We will have to continue to commit to defending against the top team in the state."
Cypress Woods Wildcats
Photo acquired via Joseph & Rachel Carmichael
Cypress Woods Wildcats
2022-23 Regular Season: 9-2-4/District 16-6A Champions (8-2-4)
Head Coach: Joseph Carmichael
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: 4-1 Win v. Klein Cain
- Area Round: 2-1 Win v. Grand Oaks
- Regional Quarterfinals: 3-0 Win v. Tomball
Regional Semifinals Matchup: v. Sachse
Keys to the Game: "The next match will be different, considering we’re on the road, but it’s nothing new for the players," said Carmichael. "We’re going into the match prepared. The team is healthy, and our depth will help defend our record."
Prospectus: Cy Woods has been one of the more underrated teams of this postseason.
Despite facing off against numerous opponents with incredible potential, the Wildcats always seem to have an answer.
"Our greatest strength on the field is the fact that the team is focused, committed and determined," Carmichael said. "They play well together and execute as a team. Off the field, it’s the 212º fans! The students, families, and community have shown tremendous support. It keeps the team going week after week, and it's what will keep them going is the next match. They're not done, and the boys are first to tell you, 'There's more work to be done!'."
Given their top-notch direction from Carmichael, a defense that is adept at disrupting opposing attack, an experienced midfield, and an offense that wreaks havoc in enemy territory, Cy Woods has all the ingredients necessary to make a run for the State Title.
Dobie Longhorns
Photo acquired via Twitter: @DobieBoysSoccer
Dobie Longhorns
2022-23 Regular Season: 12-0-3/District 22-6A Champions (10-0-2)
Head Coach: Justo Manrique
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: 3-0 Win v. Humble
- Area Round: 1-0 Win v. Alief Elsik
- Regional Quarterfinals: 3-1 Win v. Pearland
Round 3 MVP(s): "Our MVPs consisted of Daniel Blanco (Sr.) on defense, Victor Hernandez (Sr.) in the midfield, Jordi Garcia (Sr.) up top," said Coach Manrique.
Regional Semifinals Matchup: v. Katy Jordan
Keys to the Game: "The most important asset needed is the belief that we can win."
Prospectus: The sole representative of Pasadena ISD left in the UIL playoffs, the Dobie Longhorns have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with.
Credit where credit is due. Coach Justo Manrique's back line has been stellar in rounds one through three, most recently limiting an electric Pearland attack to just one goal. Furthermore, their midfield has almost seamlessly been able to advance the ball up-field for the strikers to finish.
Their next game against Katy Jordan should prove to be an interesting match to watch, as both teams have been exceptional at adapting to the opposition's game-plan.
"Dobie's greatest strengths have to be our unity, teamwork, and adaptability," Manrique said. "The team has made it this far because they've trained hard and they take care of things within their control."
Katy Jordan Warriors
Photo acquired via Twitter: @KatyJordanBSoc
Katy Jordan Warriors
2022-23 Regular Season: 10-5-2/Finished 3rd in District 19-6A
Head Coach: Jason Meekins
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: 4-1 Win v. Fort Bend Bush
- Area Round: 3-2 Win v. Cypress Ridge
- Regional Quarterfinals: 1-0 Win v. Katy Paetow
Round 3 MVP(s): Senior Defender Ben Bucic & Junior GK Elijah Betancourt--"Bucic has been rock solid on our backline and has 3 big goals in our 3 playoff games including the game tying goal vs Cy Ridge and game winner vs Paetow on Friday," said Coach Meekins. "He’s playing his best soccer at the right time."
"Betancourt has made a few game changing saves to hold a lead or keep games tied. He’s done a fabulous job distributing the ball to start our attack as well."
Regional Semifinals Matchup: v. Dobie
Keys to the Game: "Dobie is very organized and play well as a group," Meekins said. "Defensively, they keep really good shape and defend as a unit which makes it difficult to break them down. It’s going to be important for us to connect our passes in the attacking half and finish the opportunities we create in the final third. In the attack, Dobie does a great job on set pieces and putting the ball in dangerous areas. We must be organized and willing to challenge every 1st and 2nd ball in the midfield and up front."
Prospectus: Katy Jordan is coming off a thriller against district rival Paetow, which sends them to the Regional Tournament for the second-straight year. The fact that they've been in the position before is precisely what makes them a team worth fearing.
"We have been in playoff mindset for a while, and as the games get bigger, we seem to get better," said Meekins. "Our results through our first 6 district games (2-4) didn't put us in a good position. However, for the last 13 games we are 10-1-2 in an extremely tough district including our playoff matches. The kids handle the pressure of big games well and our goal each time out is to 'earn one more chance to play'. Our players and coaching staff live by that message."
The Warriors are sure to bring that experience and resiliency with them as they prepare to take on Dobie later this week.
Seven Lakes Spartans
Seven Lakes Spartans
2022-23 Regular Season: 15-1-1/District 19-6A Champions (15-0-1)
Head Coach: Jim Krueger
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: 2-0 Win v. Fort Bend Austin
- Area Round: 2-0 Win v. Bellaire
- Regional Quarterfinals: 2-2 (4-3 Penalty Shootout) Win v. Cinco Ranch
Round 3 MVP(s): Junior MF Aiden Morrison & Junior GK Ben Aviles-- With only 1:25 left in the match, the Spartans were down 2-0 when Morrison sent a cross into the box off a set piece for Kortay Koc to head the ball in, making the game 2-1. With 2 seconds remaining, Morrison would shoot a game-tying PK to send the match into OT, where Seven Lakes would ultimately defeat Cinco Ranch in a penalty shootout (6-5) due to a clutch save by their keeper, Ben Aviles.
Regional Semifinals Matchup: v. Clear Springs
Prospectus: Seven Lakes is coming off a thriller against their district rivals, Cinco Ranch.
As one of the top teams in the state, the Spartans proved that they should never be counted out, considering they came back to win from what seemed like a decided 2-0 game.
The Katy ISD team is loaded on all fronts, with an experienced coach in Jim Krueger, and have continued to emerge victorious from every matchup they face.
They will be facing Clear Springs with more momentum than ever.
The Woodlands Highlanders
Photo taken by Marco Beijen (TWHS)--Referral from HC Jason Fanning
The Woodlands Highlanders
2022-23 Regular Season: 19-2-2/District 13-6A Champions (14-0-2)
Head Coach: Jason Fanning
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: 6-0 Win v. Spring Westfield
- Area Round: 2-1 Win v. Cypress Lakes
- Regional Quarterfinals: 2-0 Win v. MacArthur
Round 3 MVP(s): Junior CB Sasha Angelkov, Junior CM Henrique Caputo, Junior CM Cole Baptist, and Senior GK Danny Ramsey
Regional Semifinals Matchup: v. Naaman Forest
Keys to the Game: "We will need to stay calm and absorb Naaman Forest's attack," said Coach Fanning. "Furthermore, we will need to be efficient when we have the ball in their half and take our chances when they are given."
Prospectus: The Highlanders have been eager for the opportunity to return to the State Semis all season long.
They have looked just as efficient and dominant as they did a year ago, if not more so. This can be accredited to the fact that they have one of the most complete rosters in the state of Texas, from their shutdown defense to their punishing attack.
"Our team works very hard, defensively," Fanning said. "We frustrate our opponents and force them to solve difficult puzzles. The players compete everyday in practice, and hold each other accountable for the expectations we have set for ourselves."
Naaman Forest will give TWHS a run for their money, but if their preceding performances are any indication, Highlanders Soccer could be on the fast track to a redemption arc.