The Illinois girls soccer postseason delivered a weekend of drama as regional finals unfolded across several classes, spotlighting a mix of powerhouse programs and surprising upstarts.
A Dominant Start for Notre Dame
Notre Dame High School rolled past Joliet West 7‑0 to claim its first Class 3A regional championship, a performance that underscored the team’s offensive firepower and defensive solidity. The victory propels the Fighting Irish into the Normal Community Sectional semifinals, where they will meet the winner of the Minooka‑East Moline regional final.
Morton Extends Record‑Setting Streak
Meanwhile, Morton High School continued its reign as a regional dynasty, posting a 4‑0 shutout of Richwoods to secure its fourth straight regional title. The win extended the Panthers’ unbeaten run to 17 consecutive clean sheets, tying an Illinois High School Association record and highlighting the program’s defensive consistency as they gear up for a clash with the Mahomet Seymour‑Champaign Central champion.
Dunlap’s Overtime Heroics
In a dramatic turn of events, Dunlap upset the second‑seeded Washington team 2‑1 in overtime to capture the Class 2A Metamora Regional crown. The victory not only showcased the Eagles’ resilience but also set up a sectional semifinal showdown against the winner of the Normal University‑Normal Community West match.
Other Regional Winners
Monticello earned the Class 1A Chillicothe IVC title after a penalty‑kick showdown with Peoria Christian, while Geneseo’s Maple Leafs posted a 3‑0 shutout of Canton to claim the Geneseo Regional crown. Both squads will now face off in their respective sectional semifinals, with Geneseo slated to meet Bloomington Central Catholic in the Rock Island bracket.
Princeton’s scheduled regional final against Rock Island Alleman was postponed to Saturday at 11 a.m., ensuring additional time for preparation ahead of the next round.