The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) soccer postseason reached its climax this week as sectional finals were played across the state, setting the stage for a high‑stakes Super Sectional round.
Sectional Results and Upsets
Columbia, the defending 1A champion, fell 6‑0 to Father McGivney, while Litchfield secured a 3‑1 victory over Alton Marquette on its home turf. In the 2A bracket, Waterloo edged Springfield 3‑2, and in the 3A division Edwardsville shut out Peoria Notre Dame 2‑0.
The winners will reconvene on Monday at Civic Memorial in Alton, where the four victorious squads will battle for a berth in the State Final Four. The schedule promises a quick turnaround, with the Super Sectional set to begin on Tuesday.
Super Sectional Matchups
Waterloo’s next test will be a showdown against the Morton Lady Potters, a team that advanced after a hard‑fought win in its own sectional. The match is slated for Tuesday at the Chatham Glenwood complex, while the other Super Sectional slot will feature the Edwardsville Tigers against the Peoria Notre Dame squad, also on Tuesday at Normal Community.
These games not only determine the final four teams but also reflect the competitive balance within each classification, with lower‑seed programs occasionally pulling off surprising results, as seen with Litchfield’s home win and Waterloo’s narrow triumph over Springfield.
The IHSA’s tournament structure, overseen by the Illinois High School Association, ensures that each classification crowns its own champion, and the winners of the Super Sectionals will earn a spot in the prestigious State Final Four later this month.