In his first year coaching the Faith Lutheran girls soccer team, Carl Cort, a former professional forward, has led the team to the top of the Class 5A Southern League. The Crusaders (14-1-5, 10-1-5) are the No. 1 seed heading into what promises to be a highly competitive 5A state tournament starting with quarterfinals on Wednesday. Other top contenders include Bishop Gorman, Liberty, and defending champion Coronado.
Cort emphasized the importance of player management in high school soccer and highlighted the girls’ success so far. Junior striker Olivia Stark has been a standout offensive player for the Crusaders with 13 goals this season. Despite facing tough defenses, Stark has managed to make an impact in every game.
Faith Lutheran’s aggressive style of play has allowed them to outscore opponents 53-19 in the regular season, but Cort acknowledged the need to improve their finishing to capitalize on the chances they create. The team’s ability to create scoring opportunities has been a strength, and they will look to convert more effectively in the playoffs.
Bishop Gorman, led by coach Doug Borgel, is determined to secure their first state title since 2018. The Gaels (15-4-1, 11-4-1) have been a force offensively, with senior forward Riley Rohr and midfielder Stephenie Hackett leading the charge. Borgel noted the competitive nature of playing against top teams and embraced the challenge of being a target for other schools.
Liberty (8-1-7, 8-1-1) has surprised the league in the past and remains a strong contender this year. Senior Natalie Collins has been a key player for the Patriots with 15 goals, while goalkeeper Brooke Kramer has demonstrated her skills with three shutouts and 55 saves. The team’s defensive resilience has been crucial in securing ties against tough opponents.
Coronado, despite coming in as the No. 5 seed, cannot be overlooked after winning the title last season from a lower seed. Coach Dana Neel highlighted the team’s consistency and solid performance throughout the season. Junior midfielder Allison Kleiner has been a standout player for the Cougars with 11 goals in nine games.
In Class 4A, Centennial dominates as the No. 1 seed from the Mountain League, boasting an impressive record of 18-0 and outscoring opponents 141-3. Foothill, the No. 1 seed from the Desert League, aims to build on their success from last season and challenge Centennial for the regional title.
In Class 3A, Equipo Academy and SLAM Academy are the top seeds from their respective leagues, setting the stage for an exciting playoff showdown. The girls soccer playoff schedule is packed with intense matchups, offering fans a glimpse of the fierce competition to come in the postseason.