Yuma Catholic Advances to State Championship with 5-1 Semifinal Win

Freshman standout Cade Garcia scores four goals to lead Yuma Catholic to the title game.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Yuma Catholic's boys soccer team defeated Benjamin Franklin 5-1 in the state semifinal to advance to the championship game. Freshman Cade Garcia scored four goals for Yuma Catholic, continuing his dominant postseason run after netting 41 goals in the regular season. Yuma Catholic head coach Ralph Evans praised Garcia's skill and composure, saying the young star is one of the best players he's ever coached. The Shamrocks will now face rival Gilbert Christian in the state title match.

Why it matters

Yuma Catholic's return to the state championship game is a testament to the program's sustained excellence. The Shamrocks have been a powerhouse in Arizona high school soccer for years, and this year's team appears primed to capture the title after falling just short in previous seasons. The matchup with Gilbert Christian will be a highly anticipated clash between two of the state's top programs.

The details

In the semifinal, Yuma Catholic jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the first half thanks to Garcia's scoring. Benjamin Franklin had chances to get back in the game, including a free kick opportunity, but Yuma Catholic goalkeeper Adriel Casis made a key save to preserve the lead. The Shamrocks stayed composed in the second half and pulled away for the 5-1 victory. Head coach Ralph Evans noted that this year's team has a special chemistry and talent level that reminds him of his past championship squads.

  • The semifinal match was played on February 18, 2026.
  • Yuma Catholic will face Gilbert Christian in the state championship game.

The players

Cade Garcia

A freshman standout who scored four goals in the semifinal victory. He netted 41 goals during the regular season and has continued his dominant play in the postseason.

Ralph Evans

The head coach of the Yuma Catholic boys soccer team, who praised Garcia's skill and leadership and believes this year's squad has the talent and chemistry to win the state title.

Adriel Casis

The Yuma Catholic goalkeeper who made a key save to preserve the team's lead in the semifinal match.

Donovan Warren

A defender for Yuma Catholic who made an important play to force a turnover and give possession back to the Shamrocks.

Gilbert Christian

Yuma Catholic's rival, who they will face in the state championship game.

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What they’re saying

“God, he's just so dominating. His skill and his tactics are just second to none. And he's got a wicked left shot. Just crazy. I've had some really good players over the years, but he's right up there with the top. Just amazing kid. And he's just a great kid all the way around.”

— Ralph Evans, Head Coach (KYMA)

“In the first half it was close. We had to earn every goal we got. They're not the team that we played earlier and we're not the team they played earlier. So who got better? Them or us and how much better? You can't go out there and assume you're going to do the same thing you did the last time, because it's a whole different team.”

— Ralph Evans, Head Coach (KYMA)

“You've got to beat the best to be the best. Quit worrying about the past — how many we won, how many we lost. This is the first time we play them this time, and we just got to go out and beat them.”

— Ralph Evans, Head Coach (KYMA)

“In years past we had good teams and we made it there by the skin of our teeth and luck. I think this time it's just talent, drive, commitment. The chemistry on the field — when they're on, they're just unstoppable. It reminds me of one of my old championship teams. Those guys were just best friends on the field. Same chemistry.”

— Ralph Evans, Head Coach (KYMA)

What’s next

Yuma Catholic will face rival Gilbert Christian in the state championship game.

The takeaway

Yuma Catholic's return to the state title game is a testament to the program's sustained excellence and the emergence of a talented young star in freshman Cade Garcia. The Shamrocks appear primed to capture the championship after falling short in previous seasons, with a roster full of chemistry and determination.