The Race for Glory: 5A Girls Soccer Playoffs Loom Ahead
As the Class 5A girls soccer state tournament approaches, Faith Lutheran holds the prestigious title of the No. 1 seed, boasting an impressive record of 14 wins, 1 loss, and 5 draws. Yet, they are not alone in this competitive field. Bishop Gorman, Liberty, and the defending champions, Coronado, are all formidable contenders eager to seize the championship title.
Faith Lutheran’s Olivia Stark presses forward in a high-stakes match.
A New Era for Faith Lutheran
In his inaugural season with the Crusaders, head coach Carl Cort has made an indelible mark on the team, echoing his professional success as a former player in the English Premier League. Under Cort’s leadership, the Crusaders have adopted a dynamic playing style, challenging their opponents aggressively. “High school soccer is a lot more of a player management situation than a coaching situation,” Cort remarked, highlighting the importance of nurturing the girls’ talents and teamwork.
Faith Lutheran’s offensive prowess has been spearheaded by junior striker Olivia Stark, who has netted an impressive 13 goals this season. The team has averaged over 12 shots on goal per match, showcasing their relentless drive, leading to a remarkable goal differential of +34 (53 scored versus 19 conceded) during the regular season.
The Challenge from Bishop Gorman
Not to be discounted, the No. 2 seed, Bishop Gorman, enters the playoffs with an impressive record of 15 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw. Coach Doug Borgel knows the ins and outs of what it takes to claim the championship and is determined to lead his team into the finals once again. Gorman has dominated offensively, leading the Southern League in both goals and goal differential, with a staggering 64 goals scored and only 16 allowed.
The Gaels rely heavily on their star players, including senior forward Riley Rohr, who has scored 12 goals, and captain Stephenie Hackett, who has contributed 9 goals. Their chemistry on the field will be crucial in Gorman’s pursuit of victory.
Coronado midfielder Alexandra Milano competes in a critical matchup.
Liberty and Coronado: Dark Horses in the Field
The No. 3 seed Liberty is also a team to watch out for, seeking redemption after last year’s state semifinals loss to Faith Lutheran. With a current record of 8 wins, 1 loss, and 7 draws, the team promises to bring fierce competition. Their star player, Natalie Collins, a Boise State commit, has racked up 15 goals this season, and her experience will play a pivotal role in Liberty’s playoff run.
Meanwhile, the defending champions, Coronado, despite being seeded No. 5, will not be an easy foe. With a record of 12 wins, 6 losses, and 2 draws, they potentially hold the upper hand as they come off a previous winning season, instilling confidence and resilience. They will open their playoff journey against No. 4 seed Arbor View, aiming to replicate last year’s triumph even from a lower seed.
Upcoming Playoff Schedule
As excitement builds for the upcoming matches, here’s the playoff schedule:
Class 5A State Tournament - Quarterfinals
Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted:
- No. 8 Cimarron-Memorial at No. 1 Faith Lutheran
- No. 5 Coronado at No. 4 Arbor View
- No. 7 Palo Verde at No. 2 Bishop Gorman (4 p.m.)
- No. 6 Shadow Ridge at No. 3 Liberty (6 p.m.)
With the stage set for an exhilarating tournament, every match promises to deliver unforgettable moments. All eyes will be on favorites and underdogs alike as they clash on the field, each vying for the ultimate prize. Tune in to witness the fierce competition as these teams test their skills, heart, and desire for glory in Nevada’s premier girls soccer showdown.
