Underdog Crusaders Prepare for Crucial Quarterfinal
The Helias Lady Crusaders, with two consecutive Final Four appearances, are set to welcome the Fort Zumwalt South Bulldogs, a program that has reached five straight Final Fours and captured three Class 3 state titles between 2021 and 2023. The matchup pits a disciplined, defensively tight Helias side against a Bulldogs squad that tops the Missouri State High School Soccer Coaches Association power rankings and boasts a 19‑3 record.
Helias coach Jon DeSha has made it clear that perfection is not a distant ideal but a daily demand, urging each player to touch that standard at critical moments. Senior forward Jenna Roark, who holds the school’s all‑time goal record with 42 scores, has repeatedly emphasized the team’s underdog mentality, stating that the Crusaders must bring their best soccer to the pitch.
The Bulldogs arrive with a potent offensive duo: junior forward Briele Gilbert, who leads the team with 32 goals, and defensive anchor Allison Wiese, last season’s Class 3 Defensive Player of the Year. Their combined threat has helped Fort Zumwalt South average 3.3 goals per game while conceding just 0.9, a balance that reflects their sustained success.
Both teams share a recent encounter with Washington, a game that produced divergent outcomes and now serves as a tactical reference point. Helias, currently 18‑5, has won 14 of its past 15 contests, while the Bulldogs sit at 19‑3 and have not dropped a match in their last four outings. The Crusaders will also be playing their final home game for six seniors, adding an emotional layer to the contest.
Beyond the immediate matchup, the winner will advance to face either Mehlville or Rockwood Summit in the semifinals next Friday, with the third‑place and championship games slated for Saturday, June 6. The stakes extend beyond a single game, promising a narrative that could redefine the trajectory of both programs in the state tournament.