Wakeland Soccer boys and girls are off to Georgetown to compete in the Region-2 5A State Semifinals.

Both boys and girls came out with a win for rounds 4 and 5 this past weekend and are now on their way to State. 

“It’s a great feeling going on to semis. I’m glad we have been blessed with the opportunity,” varsity player senior Kyle Davis said.

“It feels absolutely amazing, it’s something that we have been working towards since August and it’s nice to see all our hard work being put to use,” varsity player senior Paria Zabihpour said.

On Apr. 8, the girls won against Midlothian High School with a score of 1-0.

The girls have faced many challenges throughout the playoff season including Wylie East and Midlothian.

“I think the first-round game has been the most challenging. We played Wylie East and they came out hard and strong. It was a tough game, but we fought through it. The nerves were big that game because we knew it was a must-win game or else we would be done,” varsity captain senior Mckenna Jenkins said.

Before the game, Midlothian had been labeled as “the Cinderella school” because they had found a way to make it into the playoffs during the final stretch after facing tough losses during their season. 

“Our most challenging game would have to have been against Midlothian. Although we dominated in terms of possession, the wind happened to be exceptionally tough for both teams,” varsity player senior Olivia Bos said. “Whichever team was having to battle against the wind would find themselves at an obvious disadvantage, so we needed to prevent any goals from being scored on us when we went against the wind first half.”

While the team faced challenges because of the wind while Midlothian played with their full hearts, as well as going full force, the girls were able to win despite these obstacles.

“When we finally managed to pull a goal for us, it lifted the weight off of all of our shoulders, but it was an evident reminder that even schools like Midlothian can come out as a force to be reckoned with when playoffs are at stake,” Bos said. 

Varsity player junior Katy Gregson scored the winning shot against Midlothian in the last half of their round four-game.

“I think our most challenging playoff game was our game against Midlothian. You could tell both teams wanted it a lot and each team had their chances to score, but luckily for us, it worked out,” Gregson said.

On Apr. 8, the boys also came out with a win, beating Mt. Pleasant 3-0.

“We have prepared all year for this starting with our conditioning to the overall soccer practices that we have every day of the week. This could not have been done without the whole team’s effort not just on the field but also during training and by ourselves,” varsity player senior Micah Kelley said.

On Apr. 9, the boys beat Lone Star High School with a score of 5-3 after winning with penalty kicks.

“Beating Lone Star was the hardest game this season because of how good they are and us already losing twice to them,” varsity player senior Nate Bowman said.

Although both teams fought head-on for the win, Wakeland boys were able to come out with a win against the Rangers.

“The most challenging playoff game for me was the regional final against Lone Star. It was the most challenging because we were playing the hardest team we would have to play all year and I got an unfortunate red card which put my team at a disadvantage,” varsity player senior Riley Garza said.

“The most challenging game we have played is Lonestar. They are a tough team with an amazing mid-field. We fought hard and we went down one player because of a red card. But we persevered through it for 56 minutes and went away with a win by a pk shootout. The hardest, but the most rewarding game of the playoffs,” Kelley said.

However, the boys were able to come out as regional final champions.

“I haven’t stopped thinking about it since we won the game, I couldn’t be more happy and excited,” varsity player senior Matthew Robertson said.

Also on Apr. 9, the girls became regional champions as well, beating out Highland Park 3-1.

Varsity player senior Cori Cochran scored the first goal against the Scots. As well, varsity captain senior Sophia Pehr had two amazing shots on goal leaving the final score 3-1.

“It feels amazing advancing to the state semifinals for a second straight year. I know how hard we’ve worked throughout the season and to get here again showcases our strength, determination, and depth as a unit because we lost nine seniors last year,” Pehr said.

This isn’t the first time Wakeland soccer has advanced to state after dominating the field in playoffs.

“It feels amazing to go to the state tournament again 2 years in a row, and it makes it so much better after seeing all the work we have put in while at practice to get where we are as a team,” Bowman said. 

Both teams have put in hours of practice in training to get where they are now. 

“We have practiced countless times throughout the year and during the week or if needed we come on weekends to prepare for games we have coming up,” varsity player Evan Lupo said.

“We’ve worked super hard, early mornings, hard days, lots of work and we’re ready both mentally and physically,” varsity captain senior Drew Stover said.

As the state tournament approaches, senior varsity players are seeing an end to their final season.

“Because it is my last season, it is bittersweet, but I am so proud of how far we have made it this year. From taking a break last year to returning for my senior year, I can confidently say that this has been my best year and that I have been able to prove myself. I wouldn’t have wanted this season to go any other way with all of the accomplishments and friendships I have made along the way,” Cochran said.

“It feels great to end my high school career this way and hopefully we will win state again,” varsity player senior Matthew Grubbs said.

“I feel sad about it being the last time I will play high school soccer, but I’m ready for what the future holds in my soccer career,” varsity captain senior Sydney Deckert said.

“It hasn’t set in yet, it’s hard to believe soccer is coming to an end,” Robertson said.

On Thurs., Apr. 14, the girls will be playing against Magnolia High School at 9:30 a.m. and the boys will be playing against Trimble Tech High School at 7:30 p.m. in Georgetown. 

You can buy tickets to the semi-finals game through the Georgetown ISD website.