The Express-93 soccer team won this year’s President’s Cup South Texas State Championship. The championship qualified the team for the region III playoffs, which included the top 12 teams from an 11-state area.

It was a memorable summer for the girls from the Express-93 soccer team, with their victory at the President’s Cup South Texas State Championship. The Express-93 team is made up mostly of high school juniors from Bellaire, Lamar, Episcopal, St. John’s, St. Agnes, Westbury Christian, Memorial, Kinkaid and Incarnate Word high schools. The Express-93 is also the top girls team from the Houston Express Soccer Club, which includes about 2,200 players and 218 teams.

“It was a tremendous accomplishment to win state,” said team manager Barry Zietz. “The girls fought hard to get there. We ultimately unseated a state champion to advance to the United States Region III playoffs, which encompassed the top 12 teams from an 11-state area. We were also one of only two Texas teams at the regional playoffs, and we ended up beating that other Texas team during the course of the tournament. The girls worked hard and displayed a lot of heart all season.”

“We had so many kids that contributed to the team’s success,” added Zietz. Offensively, Katherine Guandique, Maggie Zietz and Thora Ansell were among those who led the scoring attack, while Madison Montalbo, Emily Wick and Elena Pappas anchored the defense. In addition, Catherine Ray, Rachel Hutchins, Katy Jansa and Audrey Brook were strong in the midfield. “We also had a great goal keeper,” said Zietz. “Katherine Magliolo was just outstanding. They call her ‘Cat,’ which is quite appropriate, because she’s quick like a cat on the playing field.”

Zietz had high praise as well for team trainer Eric Johnson, who coached the girls to an undefeated record in President’s Cup play. “Eric just does a great job of bringing the girls together,” said Zietz.  “They’re a great group of kids who get along really well together. They’re teammates and friends.”

Meantime, the future certainly looks bright for the Express Soccer Club, with the girls Express-96 team, consisting mainly of incoming high-school freshman, also winning the President’s Cup South Texas Championship. “It’s a tremendous accomplishment to have two of our Express teams win state championships,” Zietz said.

Editor’s Note: Todd Freed is the host and executive producer of High School Sports Live, which can be seen each Saturday, Sunday and Monday at 6 p.m. on Houston’s 55, KTBU-TV. To submit information for possible inclusion in SportzBuzz, please e-mail todd@thebuzzmagazines.com.