IHSAA Sectional Soccer Showdowns: South Bend's Powerhouses Prepare for Playoff Battles

Photo byAustin Hough

The stage is set for thrilling sectional soccer matchups as the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) revealed its boys' and girls' tournament pairings. With the postseason kicking off Monday, Oct. 7, teams across South Bend and beyond are preparing for intense competition. Key storylines have emerged, including the much-anticipated rivalry between top-ranked girls' teams and several hard-fought battles on the boys' side.

In Class 2A Girls, Sectional 18, South Bend's soccer scene is buzzing. No. 1-ranked Saint Joseph (10-4) and No. 2 Mishawaka Marian (10-3-2) find themselves on opposite sides of the five-team bracket. While Saint Joseph must first face Jimtown (12-2-1) in the opening round, a potential October 12 championship clash with Marian could be one for the ages. This would set up an epic battle at ABRO Stadium, showcasing two of the state’s finest teams vying for glory.

Over on the boys' side, Class 3A, Sectional 4 at Penn promises no easy paths to victory. Heavyweights like No. 13 Goshen (11-3-1), Concord (10-2-2), and host Penn (8-4-2) headline a fiercely competitive field. Concord and Northridge drew byes and will face each other in the semifinals, while Penn must contend with a tough opener against Goshen.

The Class 1A Girls, Sectional 35 at Westview may be the deepest field of all, with four teams ranked in the top 13. No. 8 South Bend Trinity (11-3) squares off against No. 10 Elkhart Christian Academy (12-2) in a quarterfinal that could easily be a championship match in another bracket. Westview and Bremen also promise stiff competition, with highly ranked opponents awaiting every turn.

As teams gear up for these must-win games, the South Bend community is rallying behind its student-athletes, who embody perseverance and pride on the field. These sectionals will not only crown champions but also test the character and resolve of every player stepping into the spotlight.