Pope and Roswell are two of the top teams in Class 5A and will look to eliminate their biggest roadblock to a state title matchup in the semifinals Thursday. Each program boasts one of the most skilled and talented rosters in the state.
Roswell is led by 3-star forward Natalie Brooks, a senior committed to play college soccer at Clemson. She has helped lead the Hornets to a 19-0 record this season, with the team averaging more than five goals per game. Pope will be another tough test for a squad that has already faced one of the most challenging schedules in the state, a schedule that included three teams ranked in the final regular-season class 5A and 6A rankings. The Hornets have moved through Riverwood 3-1, Lakeside-DeKalb 10-0 and Habersham Central 4-1 to earn the semifinals berth.
Across the field, Pope has been one of, if not the, most dominant defensive teams in the state.
Three-star goalkeeper Addison Daugherty has been a major part of that success, making 24 saves this season while allowing only four goals. Pope has shut out 14 of its opponents and moved past Dunwoody 2-0, McIntosh 0-0(4-2 PKs) and Alexander 3-0. The Greyhounds have not allowed more than two goals in any game this season. On offense, they are led by junior forward Lily Joswick, who leads the team with nine goals, all of which came in tightly contested games decided by four goals or fewer, including four one-goal wins.
The battle between the Hornets and Greyhounds will help shape the future of both programs. Pope is seeking its first championship since 2002. After coming close several times, this year could finally be the breakthrough. Roswell, on the other hand, is just one season removed from its last title and a victory could be the next step toward its budding dynasty.
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