The Aplington-Parkersburg Falcons made a bold statement to open their 2025 girls’ soccer postseason campaign with a commanding victory over Clear Lake in the Class 1A Region 8 quarterfinals. With an all-around team performance, the Falcons ensured their spot in the next round of the Iowa High School Athletic Association playoffs.
Coming into the matchup with an 8-6-2 record, the Falcons were seen as a well-rounded team, capable of delivering under pressure. That assessment proved accurate on Wednesday evening as they left no doubt about their intentions this postseason.
Falcons’ Offensive Power Takes Control
Throughout the season, Aplington-Parkersburg has been praised for their offensive depth and consistency and they brought that same energy into this playoff clash. Key contributors such as Adri Allan and Kiara Morris played critical roles. Allan entered the game with eight goals on the season, while Morris had netted seven. Together, they showcased their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and put the pressure squarely on the Clear Lake defense.
The Falcons had already faced Clear Lake earlier in the season and had defeated them 2-0 in their opening game. This playoff matchup was not just a rematch—it was a chance to reaffirm their superiority, and they delivered in style.
Clear Lake’s Strong Season Comes to an End
Clear Lake entered the playoffs riding a high from two consecutive wins: a 4-1 victory over Webster City and a 5-1 win against Wright County. They concluded their regular season with a respectable 9-5-2 record, and their offense was spearheaded by Addison Jones, who had tallied an impressive 16 goals over the season.
Despite Clear Lake’s recent momentum and scoring capability, they struggled to find openings against a disciplined and aggressive Falcons defensive line. Every attempt to push forward was met with resistance, and the Falcons quickly transitioned to offensive counters, which proved too much for Clear Lake to handle.
A Familiar Matchup, Same Result
This game marked the second time Aplington-Parkersburg and Clear Lake clashed this season, and the outcome once again favored the Falcons. Just like their season opener, the Falcons demonstrated superior ball control, communication, and execution, effectively shutting out Clear Lake’s scoring threats.
With the win, the Falcons now advance to the regional semifinals, where they are set to face the winner between Webster City and 10th-ranked Dike-New Hartford. The stakes will rise in the next round, but Aplington-Parkersburg has already proven that they are a force to be reckoned with in Region 8.
Balanced Strategy Behind Falcons’ Success
Aplington-Parkersburg’s journey this season has been marked by balance and consistency. With multiple goal scorers contributing throughout the year, the Falcons are not reliant on a single standout player—rather, they operate as a cohesive unit. This team chemistry is expected to be a key advantage as they move deeper into the playoffs.
Their ability to adapt in-game, switch formations, and execute set-pieces with precision was evident against Clear Lake. If they maintain this level of play, they could emerge as one of the dark horses in the Class 1A playoff bracket.
What’s Next for the Falcons?
As the postseason heats up, the Falcons will be looking to continue their winning momentum. Facing either a familiar opponent in Webster City or a higher-ranked team like Dike-New Hartford will present new challenges. But Aplington-Parkersburg’s recent performance shows they are more than ready.
For more information on the Iowa girls’ high school soccer playoffs and upcoming fixtures, you can visit the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union and the Iowa Department of Education websites for official schedules and athletic program guidelines.
