(WADDELL, Ariz.) Fifth-seeded Gilbert Christian upset No. 4 ALA-West Foothills by a final of 3-2 in Saturday's AIA Girls Soccer 3A Tournament quarterfinal round. The Knights' goals came from junior Jersi Wilson, who scored twice in the affair, and from sophomore Charlotte Shimkus, who broke a 2-2 tie on a header with 29:23 to play. 


 
"Our girls came out expecting a physical game with an intense play-off atmosphere, especially since we were on the road," Head Coach Hector Orellana said. "I am incredibly proud of the courage they showed today. As a coach, you discover what kind of team you have when your players are put under pressure, and these girls were able to stay focused throughout the match. They stayed consistent and understood the ebbs and flows of the game. Fighting together, and playing for each other, is exactly what we need heading into the semifinal round."
 
Wilson's first goal, a one touch from the box in traffic, put the Knights up 1-0, following a perfect cross from senior Kinley Rhineheimer on the right side. 
 
Wilson managed the feat again six minutes later, extending Gilbert Christian's lead with a turnaround blast from the middle. Freshman Brinkley Stansberry assisted the effort, beating her defender on the baseline before finding Wilson open in front of the net. 


 
ALA-West Foothills would not be deterred though, narrowing the margin in the ensuing minutes with a goal of its own to bring the score to 2-1 before the break.
 
In the second, the Guardians struck again, evening the match at 2-all on a successful penalty kick for a handball violation. 
 
The Knights, however, had a different ending in mind, putting a stop to ALA-WF's momentum with Shimkus' thrilling header off of a soaring corner kick from senior Caprice Chiuchiolo, and gritting it out defensively to hold Guardians scoreless down the stretch. 
 
"After my goal, our defensive unit finished out strong," Shimkus said. "We stayed composed, and stuck together. At the beginning of the season, Coach Mack told us that defense will help us through playoffs, and that has been our mindset so far."
 
With the victory, Gilbert Christian improves to 11-3 on the year. 
 
GCHS advances to the round of four with the win. The Knights are scheduled to travel to top-seed Seton Catholic (13-1) on Wednesday, February 19th (6:00pm) to face the Sentinels for the semifinal showdown. SCHS defeated the Knights 3-2 earlier this month, during regular season play. The Sentinels have not lost since December 11th, 2024.
 
All fans will need a ticket to attend the semifinal (PURCHASE HERE).