The amount of emotion that poured out of Rachel Ressler nearly matched the sweat and dedication she put into her Desert Vista soccer career.

The Desert Vista soccer family was setup to have one amazing day.

For 70 minutes, neither Xavier or Desert Vista girls soccer teams could find the right combination. Both teams had its share of possession although the Gators seemed to gain the upper hand in the second half.

Marvin Hypolite took over a very good Desert Vista girls soccer program that had been to two state title matches and had two other semifinal appearances since 2007.

The return of several club players to the Desert Vista boys soccer program just might have them wondering what might have been if they had never left.

The effort was there, the execution was a bit off and Desert Vista girls soccer coach Marin Hypolite was at a loss for words afterward, but in reality it doesn’t matter in the one-and-done playoff format.

Rachel Ressler sees open people.

The proving ground is over.

Imagine my surprise when I showed up for the Desert Vista girls soccer team’s semifinal game at the Arizona Soccer Showcase and the Thunder’s head coach was nowhere to be found.

This particular grassy knoll had nothing to do with conspiracy and everything to do with championships.

There is no doubt what the Desert Vista girls soccer team is shooting for this season.

Cera Hassinan had every right to come out of the match.

Desert Visa girls soccer coach Marvin Hypolite confirmed on Thursday that the Thunder had to forfeit Tuesday's win over Mountain Pointe.

The Desert Vista soccer programs were able to sweep Mountain Pointe on Tuesday evening as the Thunder won two different type of matches.

It may not have been a storybook ending for three Ahwatukee Foothills Soccer Club (AFSC) teams at last weekend’s state tournament, but that doesn’t mean the future for local teams is anything less than bright.

It may not have been a storybook ending for three Ahwatukee Foothills Soccer Club (AFSC) teams at last weekend’s state tournament, but that doesn’t mean the future for local teams is anything less than bright.

Nervous? Absolutely.

The in-bounds throws and free kicks into the penalty area were there for Pinnacle junior Missy Kettelkamp all game.

McKenzie Meegan had a ring-side seat.

McKenzie Meegan had a ring-side seat.

So much for the belief that lightning doesn't strike the same place twice.

So much for the belief that lightning doesn't strike the same place twice.

The resumes for soccer teams were sent off and all that was left was an announcement as to what teams made the final cut.

The resumes for soccer teams were sent off and all that was left was an announcement as to what teams made the final cut.