Charlotte Catholic girls soccer chases redemption against unbeaten Marvin

Top-ranked Charlotte Catholic looks to avenge last year's semifinal loss against fellow powerhouse Marvin Ridge.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:57pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric planes and shapes in vibrant colors, capturing the energy and movement of a girls high school soccer match.Two top-ranked high school girls soccer teams clash in a high-stakes matchup, with the outcome poised to reshape the national landscape.Charlotte Today

Charlotte Catholic's girls soccer team, currently ranked No. 3 nationally with a 12-0-1 record, is seeking redemption against unbeaten Marvin Ridge in a highly anticipated matchup on Friday night. The Charlotte Catholic squad says their semifinal loss last year still fuels them as they take on the top-5 ranked Marvin Ridge team.

Why it matters

This game features two of the top girls soccer programs in the state and nation, with both teams looking to make a statement and prove their championship mettle early in the season. The outcome could have major implications for playoff seeding and the teams' national rankings.

The details

Charlotte Catholic, led by standout striker Emma Williamson, has been dominant so far this season, outscoring opponents 47-6. Marvin Ridge, led by midfielder Sophia Hernandez, is also undefeated at 11-0 and ranked in the top 5 nationally. The two teams met in last year's state semifinals, with Marvin Ridge edging Charlotte Catholic 2-1 in a close, hard-fought match.

  • The game will be played on Friday, April 18, 2026.
  • Last year, Marvin Ridge defeated Charlotte Catholic 2-1 in the state semifinals.

The players

Emma Williamson

A star striker for Charlotte Catholic who has scored 18 goals so far this season.

Sophia Hernandez

A standout midfielder for Marvin Ridge who has anchored their undefeated start.

Charlotte Catholic

The No. 3 nationally ranked girls soccer team with a 12-0-1 record so far this season.

Marvin Ridge

The undefeated, top-5 nationally ranked girls soccer team that defeated Charlotte Catholic in last year's state semifinals.

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What they’re saying

“Last year's loss still stings, and we're using that as motivation to prove we're the better team this time around.”

— Emma Williamson, Charlotte Catholic striker

“This is a huge early-season test for both teams, and we're excited for the challenge of taking on such a talented Charlotte Catholic squad.”

— Sophia Hernandez, Marvin Ridge midfielder

What’s next

The winner of Friday's game will likely move up in the national rankings and gain momentum heading into the state playoffs.

The takeaway

This matchup between two of the top girls soccer programs in the country promises to be an intense, high-stakes battle as Charlotte Catholic looks to avenge last year's semifinal loss and Marvin Ridge aims to prove their undefeated start is no fluke.