The 3A girls soccer state championship delivered a dramatic finish as New Trier edged Naperville Central 2-1 on a rain‑slicked field in Illinois.
A late winner seals the triumph
New Trier struck first, capitalizing on early pressure to take the lead, but Naperville Central answered late in the second half to level the score. With minutes remaining, the Tigers found the breakthrough, sealing the victory and preserving their unbeaten streak.
A historic run for the Redhawks
The Redhawks’ journey to the championship game captured the imagination of the local community, blending youthful vigor with seasoned poise.
Among the standout performers for New Trier were seniors Malia Shen, Annie Fowler, Bea Cirulis, Addy Randall, Erin Hackett, Eleni Kanellos, Dami Balogun, Evelina VanderBurg, Nicole Sacek, Emerson Burke, Brooke Zabel and Kira Lambin, whose contributions helped shape the contest.
Naperville Central, meanwhile, concluded the season with a remarkable 21‑1‑1 record, a campaign that saw them reach the title game for the first time since 1995.
The coaching staff will look to build on this momentum as the Tigers aim to defend their title next season, while the program continues to develop talent that competes at the national level.