Frisco Wakeland girls soccer celebrated its fourth state championship at Birkelbach Field as the Colleyville Heritage players looked on with disappointment and tears in their eyes.
Colleyville Heritage and Frisco Wakeland both entered the 2024 season undefeated in the girls Class 5A soccer state championship, with the Wolverines gaining the upper hand with a 3-2 win on Saturday.
Wakeland head coach Jimmy Lankford came off the bench to give all his players a chance to play in the championship game, with the team leading 3-0 with four minutes remaining. That decision almost backfired on the Panthers.
Colleyville Heritage freshman Addison Simic scored back-to-back goals to cut the Wolverines' lead to 3-0, but the Panthers were unable to score the tying shot with less than two minutes remaining.
Wakeland women's soccer has won championships in the 2011, 2018 and 2022 seasons. The 2024 championship further cements the Wolverines as a Texas soccer powerhouse.
The first half was a stalemate with neither team scoring. The Panther and Wolverine offenses had good control of the ball in the midfield but struggled to get inside the box. Wakeland had two chances to find the back of the net, but couldn't convert.
The Wolverines took the lead with a goal from Audrey Gilbert, who was named the championship's Most Valuable Player. Sophie Altieri sent a cross into the box and Gilbert headed it home.
Wakeland extended its lead with another goal from Gilbert, assisted by Finley McKite. The pass threaded its way through the Panther defense and into the box.
Wakeland's final goal followed two saves from Colleyville Heritage goalie Juliana Greider. After having two shots blocked, she was unable to control the ball and Ana Carrera took an easy open shot.
Colleyville Heritage girls soccer was one win away from winning its first title in the 1999 season. This win would have clinched back-to-back championships for Grapevine-Colleyville ISD Athletics. The Grapevine Mustangs won the title in the 2023 season.
Colleyville Heritage had a very successful year as a school with many athletic programs, but they were unable to win a state title. Panther football advanced to the regional quarterfinals, volleyball advanced to the state semifinals, boys basketball advanced to the regional semifinals and women's basketball advanced to the regional quarterfinals.
