The Kiel girls soccer team entered the WIAA Division 3 state championship with a perfect record, having gone unbeaten in 26 matches over the course of the season.
Their opponent, McFarland, struck first in the 25th minute, opening the scoring before extending the lead in the 49th minute to secure a 2‑0 victory.
The Road to the Final
This marked the fifth straight appearance by the Raiders in the state tournament and only their second final in Division 3, underscoring a sustained period of dominance in the program's recent history.
Despite being outshot 15‑5 and limited to just three shots on goal, Kiel managed to keep the game competitive, but the defense could not contain McFarland's efficient attack.
Senior forward Taavi Saeger concluded her high school career as the state’s second‑highest goal scorer with 52 tallies, a milestone that also placed her atop Kiel’s all‑time points list.
Saeger finished the season with 125 points, a figure that topped every other player in Wisconsin, and her 52 goals tied her for second place in the state’s single‑season rankings.
McFarland entered the championship having surrendered only two goals all year, a testament to a defensive unit that proved decisive in the final.
The loss ended the Raiders’ unbeaten streak but left a legacy of resilience and record‑setting performances that will be remembered for years to come.