With the 2026 Girls Winter Soccer State Championships scheduled to get underway this week, at least a handful of clubs are worth watching to see if one of them can raise the 2A and 3A state crown.

3A GIRLS SOCCER

NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN

The No. 1-seeded Crusaders (16-2-1, 5-1 3A Metro) have won four straight heading into the 3A state playoffs this week, outscoring their opponents 102-10 this season. They are an impressive 9-1 overall against the playoff field, having lost only to No. 2-seeded Gilbert Christian in a 2-1 overtime thriller in mid-January.

Coach John Kortman said his club will need to continue to rely on “team identity and mental toughness” to be successful at this year’s playoff run after last season’s 3-0 loss to eventual state champ Benjamin Franklin in the final four.

“We have faced injuries and adversity all season, but as a team we are committed to the game plan and style of play,” Kortman said. “This playoff run will require us to stay connected, composed, and compete until the final whistle.”

Chloe Graham leads the way offensively with 26 goals scored this season, which is tied for third best with Seton Catholic’s Jordan Dahl. Other notables include Emma Zakarian, and goalkeeper Addie Lowe, who just missed a Top 10 ranking in saves with 55 total on the season.

That’s still far off the pace from top goalkeeper Bailey Domroes of Apache Junction, who had a mind-boggling 201 saves this year.

Northwest Christian opens the 3A state playoffs against No. 16-seeded San Tan Foothills on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 6 p.m.

GILBERT CHRISTIAN

The No. 2-seeded Knights (13-4-2, 5-1 3A Metro) have outscored their opponents 94-13 this season and were an impressive 6-1 against the 3A state playoff field so far this season, including a 2-1 overtime win over No. 1-seeded Northwest Christian. Their only loss? A 2-1 defeat to No. 4-Seton Catholic on Feb. 3, which was the season finale for Gilbert Christian.

The Knights are 8-1-1 in their past 10 matches and coach Amy Tammany believes her players have the tools to “execute” when it matters most.

“There is no reason why they should lose against any team we have yet to face. The team must focus on playing Gilbert Christian soccer – controlling the ball and moving it up field,” Tammany said. “We also must focus on staying healthy. We’ve had five concussions this season already, and I don’t want any more, for their brains’ sake or the team’s!”

Offensively, Brinkley Stansberry leads the team in scoring with 19 goals, tied for 10th overall in 3A state competition.

Gilbert Christian opens with No. 15-seeded ALA-Mesa North on Feb. 10, 6 p.m.

Gilbert Christian girls soccer. (Courtesy)

OTHER 3A NOTES

ALA-West Foothills is the No. 5 seed heading into the 3A state playoffs, and they feature the conference’s top scorer in Brystal Ashton, who put 48 balls in the back of the net this season. The Guardians host No. 12-seeded Florence. … No. 3-seeded Benjamin Franklin features the second-best scorer in 3A with Mercy King recording 31 goals this year. The Chargers won 12 matches this season and host No. 14-seeded Page.

2A GIRLS SOCCER

PHOENIX COUNTRY DAY

The No. 1-seeded Eagles (9-2, 6-0 2A Central) have won six straight coming into the 2A state playoffs and have outscored their opponents 50-11 so far this season.

Coach Gabriel Penaloza said is group will need to focus on “fundamentals” if they are to succeed.

“We have worked on certain patterns of play this season that only function when our passing, movement and transitions are being executed well,” Panaloza said. “We have been successful thanks to the way the whole team has grown together. Having clear responsibilities and everyone understanding what is expected of themselves and their teammates has kept us united in overcoming challenges.”

A player to watch for Phoenix Country Day is Rachel Burns, who is a “force” on the pitch.

“She is a natural finisher, but her game wisdom allows her to operate in a free role based on our team need in any given moment,” Penaloza said, adding Brooke Vella and Bella Engilman are also players to watch this playoff season.

Phoenix Country Day opens with No. 16-seeded North Phoenix Prep. on Feb. 10, 3:30 p.m.

GLENDALE PREP.

Going undefeated in the regular season, No. 2-seeded Glendale Prep. (14-0, 5-0 2A West) has won 14 straight heading into the 2A state playoffs, outscoring opponents 103-8. Their big victories so far this year include Phoenix Country Day (3-1, Dec. 3), Veritas Prep. (7-1, Dec. 8), Scottsdale Christian (5-3, Jan. 8) and Kingman Academy (3-2, Jan. 22).

“To get where we are right now, we have relied on cooperative and successful play between our defense and midfield,” coach Robert Ramsey said. “This has allowed our attackers to focus on their play. Balance and cooperation have been the key to get us to the playoffs; so, we will continue with this style of play. But we will make changes based on the opponents we face. A lot of our starters are flexible and can switch positions mid-play to support the effort.”

Freshman Naomi Burge scored 49 goals this season, good enough for second overall in 2A state competition. Calliah Som was also Top 10 in scoring with 21 goals this season. Annabelle McRoy was fourth overall in saves this year with 59.

Glendale Prep. is set to open the 2A playoffs against No. 15-seeded St. John Paul II on Feb. 10, 6 p.m.

Glendale Prep. girls soccer. (Courtesy)

OTHER 2A NOTES

No. 5-seeded Kingman Academy features one of the top scorers in the state of Arizona in Brisco, who netted 52 goals this season. They host No. 12-seeded Veritas Prep. on Feb. 10, 6 p.m. … The defending 2A state champion Scottsdale Prep. won nine matches this season and earned a No. 8 seed, hosting No. 9 Cicero Prep. on Feb. 10, 6 p.m.

Brian M. Bergner Jr. has covered professional, collegiate and high school sports for more than 20 years. Follow him on X at @AzPreps365Brian or on Facebook at @Five2MediaWorks. Have a story idea? Email Brian at bbergner@azpreps365.com.