After winning the 2024 State Cup and reaching the Southern Regional Quarterfinals, 08G NL returned for the 24-25 National League season with a fire in their bellies.
The team opened the season in Dallas, TX with a 2-1 victory over East TX FC and a 1-1 tie against Villareal NTX. Returning to Round Rock for a home-field advantage, 08G NL handily defeated The ACDMY 4-0 and earned their first shutout of the season. The following weekend, the team enjoyed another 4-goal outing against Premier FA SA. Entering the back half of conference play, 08G NL traveled to Houston and earned a 5-0 result against The ACDMY, their second shutout of the season. The players carried this momentum into the final three matches of Conference play, ending the season with another 3 shutouts and the title of NL Frontier Conference Champions.
Similar to 09G NL's historic Frontier Conference Campaign, 08G NL went undefeated in conference play. The team's defensive prowess showed out throughout the season, allowing only 3 goals across all matches and completing their title run with four straight shutouts. Helping maintain the clean sheets between the sticks, 08G NL goalkeeper Sophia Ferrer had the following to say about the season:
Without endurance, without adaptation, without patience we couldn't be a cohesive team. Watching my teammates play and grow as they absorbed these attributes throughout the season was inspiring and fun to observe. When in prior seasons we weren't able to maintain a balance, we finally achieved the equilibrium, one only possible by the driven players I'm surrounded by.
08G NL's offensive might also shone bright throughout the season. A variety of players contributed to the team's 23-goal total, which was over double the second-place team's total. Reflecting on the season, Head Coach and Executive Director Nick Marquez shared:
We are immensely proud of the FIERCE 08G NL players for following up their State Cup title and impressive Southern Regional Championship run last campaign with another exceptional league season. What's frightening about this group is that they've only begun to scratch the surface during this undefeated streak. Look out once our fabulous new additions are fully integrated into The FIERCE Way and this team really hits its stride! We can't wait to see what this team does in this year's National Quarterfinals and upcoming Showcases. With these girls starting to get collegiate offers, our Class of 2026 surely has historic milestones ahead if they keep trusting the process and each other!
With conference play now behind them, 08G NL has their eyes set on Mesa, AZ for the NL Quarterfinals. They will be joining 06-07G NL and 09G NL at the event; all 3 teams will be vying for advancement to the NL Semifinals in Oceanside, CA. FIERCE looks forward to seeing the team capitalize on their momentum in Mesa!