Spring Fling Sets the Stage for State Soccer Finals
The annual Spring Fling soccer showcase in Murfreesboro drew a slate of elite high school teams, and the latest round of matches delivered two dramatic pathways to the state finals. Notre Dame secured a 1‑0 victory over Webb School, while McCallie survived a tense penalty shootout to keep its championship hopes alive.
Aidan Redner, a junior who balances soccer with a strong tennis season, struck the lone goal for Notre Dame against Webb School. His contribution adds to a season tally of 12 goals and 10 assists, underscoring his dual‑sport prowess and positioning him as a key figure for the upcoming DII‑A final.
McCallie's Road to the DII‑AA Final
McCallie earned its spot in the DII‑AA title match by edging Christian Brothers in a 5‑3 penalty shootout after a drawn regular‑time result. Coach Chris Cushenbery, who has emphasized building confidence through a demanding schedule, praised the team's resilience and depth.
The upcoming finals will see Notre Dame face Knoxville Grace at 5 p.m. Thursday, while McCallie will meet Knoxville Catholic at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time. Both matches promise high stakes, with Notre Dame aiming for its third state championship — a feat last achieved in 1996 and 1997 — and McCallie looking to defend the 2024 title that earned it the No. 1 national ranking.
Other semifinal action saw the Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts fall 5‑1 to Independence Academy, while Montgomery Bell Academy and Merrol Hyde also competed in earlier rounds. The breadth of competition across Tennessee highlights the depth of high school soccer talent and the growing prestige of the Spring Fling tournament.