WPIAL Girls Class 2A Championship
FINAL: Freeport 2, Burrell 1
Match Summary
Drama, extra time, and back-to-back history under the F.N.B. Stadium lights!
In a thrilling rematch of last year’s district final, the Freeport Yellowjackets defended their WPIAL Class 2A crown with a dramatic 2-1 golden-goal victory over Section 2 rival Burrell.
After Gia Conglose opened the scoring for Freeport in the 14th minute, Burrell battled back with a gutsy equalizer in the 78th minute from Gianna McMahon to force extra time.
But with penalties looming in the 108th minute, Cecelia Schlegel delivered the championship-winning strike off a turnaround feed from Aleah Jenkins, sealing back-to-back WPIAL gold medals for the Yellowjackets!
Look for more to come including post match reaction here on this thread and Pittsburgh Soccer Now social media platforms!
⏱️ Key Moments & Timeline
Hey gang, Matt Popchock here for this year’s curtain-raiser: the Girls 2A Final between the Burrell Buccaneers and defending WPIAL champion Freeport Yellowjackets!
Follow us here, and on Twitter/X, for live updates, and watch this space for a full post-match report.
107′ (BUR 1-1 FPT): A gutsy save by a pouncing Waldsmith, who did enough to keep Conger, despite a double-team, from forcing it through.
101′ (BUR 1-1 FPT): Conger created just enough space deep on the left wing to fire from 12 yards, but the attempt sails just over the bar.
89′ (BUR 1-1 FPT): Both keepers have exchanged easy saves, but no high-percentage chances for either side since that opening sequence of extra time.
69′ (BUR 0-1 FPT): With the Jackets on the run again, an excuse-me ball just outside the box lands at the feet of Schlegel, whose low line drive is snared by Waldsmith, ranging to her right.
56′ (BUR 0-1 FPT): Schlegel is fouled and earns a direct free kick from the arc. But the dribbling, underwhelming shot is blocked by the Bucs’ front four.
41′ (BUR 0-1 FPT): Unofficially, the Jackets took 9 shots in the 1st half, with 5 landing on frame, including Conglose’s goal (14′). Unofficially, the Bucs took 2, with 1 landing on frame. Can they find some answers in the second half?
30′ (BUR 0-1 FPT): An unforced error by Chase Coury in front of her own 18 leads to a great chance for Jenkins, but her bounding shot misses both the left post and a diving Waldsmith for a goal kick.
25′ (BUR 0-1 FPT): Conger goes for an Olimpico that is barely punched away by Waldsmith. The Jackets are visibly growing into this game.
10′ (BUR 0-0 FPT): Makiah Buchak chips it toward goal deep on the right elbow, but it rainbows well beyond the head of Crawford for a goal kick.
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🎙️ Post-Match Reaction & Video Interviews
“She was ready to press forward and play me exactly at my feet, and I was ready to turn and shoot.”
-Freeport junior forward, and Iowa commit, CeCe Schlegel on her golden goal, assisted by fellow junior Elena Jenkins.
“When you play a team that much, it’s very competitive, but our work rate, every single time, is phenomenal.”
-Freeport junior forward Elena Jenkins, last year’s winning goal scorer, on defeating section rival Burrell for the fifth time in their last seven meetings, including the postseason.
🧠 PSN Tactical Notes & Takeaways
📸 Ed Thompson Photo Gallery
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📌 Match Notes & Historical Context
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The Storyline: Simply put, these two Section 2 rivals cannot get enough of each other! In a rematch of last year’s 1-0 thriller won by Freeport, the Yellowjackets and Bucs square off on the biggest stage once again with district gold on the line. In the tight-knit soccer corridor of the Alle-Kiski Valley, familiarity doesn’t just breed contempt—it breeds legendary postseason theater. For Freeport and Burrell, looking across the pitch at one another in a WPIAL final is almost like looking in a mirror. These two Section 2 rivals know every tactical wrinkle, every set-piece routine, and every heartbeat of each other’s programs.
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The Rivalry Momentum: Last year, it was Freeport etching its name into district history with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Bucs to claim district gold. But rivalries of this caliber refuse to stay one-sided for long. Burrell enters this rematch carrying a chip on their shoulder and the momentum of a massive semifinal upset over top-seeded South Park, proving they have evolved into an absolute steel-trap defensive unit under pressure.
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The Path & Players to Watch:
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Freeport: The Yellowjackets come rolling into F.N.B. Stadium riding a wave of offensive electricity after dispatching Avonworth 6-1 in the semifinals. Junior forward Maggie Conger put on a finishing masterclass with two goals, while junior maestro Cecilia “Cece” Schlegel orchestrated the attack with three clinical assists. With veteran leadership across the pitch, Freeport’s attack is clicking at the absolute peak of the calendar.
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Burrell: To hoist the trophy, the Bucs will have to solve a Freeport side that thrives on moving the ball through crisp, multi-touch sequences and relentless defensive recovery. Expect Burrell’s back line to deploy a disciplined, high-concentration block to neutralize Conger and company.
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How They Got Here:
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Freeport: Rolled into the final following a dominant 6-1 semifinal win over Avonworth, powered by two goals from Maggie Conger and a three-assist masterclass from Cecilia “Cece” Schlegel.
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Burrell: Locked in their spot after knocking off top-seeded South Park to set up this ultimate rubber match.
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The Matchup & History: Section foes who know every line, throw-in routine, and set piece setup from one another. Expect an intense, physical, high-stakes battle between two programs that represent the peak of WPIAL Class 2A girls soccer depth.
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