Staff Reports
GILBERT – The Safford Bulldogs girls soccer team etched their names into Arizona high school lore with a remarkable Cinderella run in the 2026 AIA 3A state playoffs, defying seeding and expectations at every turn before bowing out in the semifinals.
Seeded No. 11 in a competitive bracket, the Bulldogs embarked on a road warrior campaign that captured the imagination of fans across the state. Their playoff journey began with a stunning first-round upset on Feb. 10, as they traveled to Ricky Gwynn Stadium and knocked off No. 6 Yuma Catholic 2-1 in a hard-fought battle. The victory over the higher-seeded Shamrocks set the tone for Safford’s underdog story, showcasing their grit, defensive resolve, and ability to capitalize on key moments.
The Bulldogs carried that momentum into the quarterfinals on Feb. 14, delivering an even more dominant performance. Facing No. 3 Benjamin Franklin on the road, Safford shut out the Chargers 3-0 in a commanding display of attacking prowess and clean-sheet defending. The shutout highlighted the team’s balanced play: solid backline organization paired with efficient finishing up front. By advancing to the Final Four, the No. 11 seed had already exceeded most preseason projections and proven they belonged among the state’s elite.
The magical run came to an end on Feb. 17 in the semifinals at Gilbert Christian High School. The Bulldogs fell 0-3 to the No. 2 Gilbert Christian Knights, a perennial powerhouse with a strong recent championship pedigree. Despite the lopsided scoreline, Safford’s players left everything on the field, ending their season with heads held high after snapping a notable road winning streak in the loss.
Headlining the championship matchup will be Gilbert Christian, who advanced to face top-seeded Northwest Christian in the 3A state title game. The two programs square off on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Mesa High School with kickoff set for 4 p.m. Fans can expect a clash of titans, as both teams have demonstrated championship-caliber form throughout the tournament.
For the Safford Bulldogs, the 2026 playoffs will be remembered as a season of breakthroughs and pride. From a double-digit seed to the state semifinals, this group of Lady Bulldogs showed heart, resilience, and the ability to rise to the occasion — qualities that will fuel even greater expectations moving forward. Though the trophy eluded them this year, their upset-filled path served as an inspiring reminder that in high school sports, seeds are just numbers, and momentum can carry any team far.
