Alamo Heights senior defender Sarah Helland powers past Steele junior forward Stephanie Madrid in Friday’s bi-district playoff match. Heights defeated the Steele Knights, 1-0, in New Braunfels.

The Alamo Heights Girls varsity soccer team advanced in the playoffs with a first-round, 1-0 victory over the Steele Knights last Friday in New Braunfels.  The bi-district game was a see-saw battle with the first half ending in a scoreless tie. 

The Mules (11-5-2) advance to the second round, where they will play Cedar Park Vista Ridge in a rematch of last year’s IV-4A championship game, which Alamo Heights won 3-1.

In the second half, the Lady Mules appeared to take the lead on a nice header by junior forward Aubrey Meyer, off a feed from junior defender Kate Emery. To their frustration, they were whistled offside and the goal didn’t count. 

Less than four minutes later, Emery launched another feed - this time from 40 yards out - that struck the crossbar and ricocheted downward. Freshman forward Ariel Neece knocked the rebound in with 13 minutes left in the game and the Mules held on for the win. 

“Our girls played well, and we’re taking it one game at a time as we are work our way through the playoffs,” said girls coach Chris Sharp. “Our team is missing several key players to illness or injury, but the rest are stepping up into positions and playing well.” 

“Spirits are high, we are working hard and training is going well,” the coach said. “The team is keeping their heads up.” 

(The Lady Mules played Cedar Park Vista Ridge Tuesday in the area round of the playoffs, with results in too late for press time.)