Santa Fe South girls' soccer team advances to the Class 5A quarterfinals after a strong performance. Valeria Romero, who missed last year's playoffs due to injury, played a crucial role in the victory.
Key points
Santa Fe South girls' soccer team advances to Class 5A quarterfinals
Valeria Romero missed last year's playoffs due to a right ankle injury
The team had lost seven consecutive first-round playoff games before this win
Romero's return was motivated by her teammates' support
Santa Fe SouthClass 5A girls soccerValeria Romero
Valeria Romero remembers what it felt like to be stuck on the sidelines.
A year ago, the Santa Fe South junior forward could only watch as she sat out with a right ankle injury. She spent weeks rehabbing, hoping for a return that never came, and ultimately missed the Saintsâ Class 5A girls soccer first-round playoff loss to McGuinness.
Entering Monday, Santa Fe South had dropped its previous seven straight first-round playoff games.
Romero made sure it wouldnât be eight.
âIt hurt not being able to be out there and help my teammates,â Romero said. âItâs hard to come back from an injury, but honestly having my teammates around me motivated me to come back better and be stronger. Thatâs what this year has been all about.â
Santa Fe Southâs Valeria Romero (17) passes the ball during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Carl Albert at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Santa Fe Southâs Valeria Romero (17) passes the ball during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Carl Albert at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Romero delivered a strong performance Monday night, powering Santa Fe South to a 6-0 win over El Reno in a Class 5A first-round matchup at Santa Fe South Sports and Education Complex.
Romero was stellar in the win, recording a hat trick with three goals and an assist. Senior teammate Dannae Gutierrez mirrored her impact, scoring two goals of her own with two assists which each came from Romeroâs goals.
Q&A
How did Santa Fe South girls' soccer team perform in the playoffs?
The Santa Fe South girls' soccer team advanced to the Class 5A quarterfinals after winning their first-round playoff game.
What injury did Valeria Romero suffer last year?
Valeria Romero suffered a right ankle injury that caused her to miss the previous year's playoffs.
How many first-round playoff games had Santa Fe South lost before this victory?
Before this victory, Santa Fe South had lost seven straight first-round playoff games.
What motivated Valeria Romero to return to soccer after her injury?
Valeria Romero was motivated by her teammates and the desire to come back stronger after her injury.
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Junior midfielder Yamilet Garcia added another goal in the second half for Santa Fe South en route to victory.
With the win, Santa Fe South (11-2, 6-1 District 5A-1) moves onto the 5A state quarterfinal round for the first time since 2017.
âLast year I wanted to do whatever it took to help my team win, but obviously I couldnât,â Romero said. âBut this year is different. This year is the year.â
Mondayâs victory didnât come without a reminder of whatâs at stake.
The Saints closed the regular season with a hard-fought 4-3 loss to district rival Noble, a result that couldâve lingered. Instead, second-year coach Karson King made sure it didnât.
âIâve just been telling them all week that our record right now doesnât matter,â King said. âAll that matters is the next four games and we have to go 4-0. We canât drop, we canât let up for one half, for one game. And they played with that kind of intensity today.â
For the first time in years, Santa Fe South isnât flying under the radar.
The buzz is building. The belief is growing. And the Saints are embracing both as they chase the programâs first-ever state title.
Santa Fe South will face off against Tulsa Edison at 7 p.m. Thursday in the 5A state quarterfinals.
âThe support this season has been so special,â Gutierrez said. â Our fans are very loyal, like they come to boys and girls, and it's amazing. Honestly, I've never been like, had this much support in the crowd since Iâve been here. We want to keep making them happy and play for each other.â
This article will be updated.
Santa Fe Southâs Valeria Romero (17) passes the ball during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Carl Albert at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
El Renoâs Grisell Guzman (16) kicks from the penalty box during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Santa Fe Southâs Valeria Romero (17) fights for control of the ball during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Santa Fe Southâs Valeria Romero (17) fights for control of the ball during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Santa Fe Southâs Valeria Romero (17) fights for control of the ball during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Students paint their bodies during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
El Renoâs Haven Fleenor (6) works towards the ball during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
El Renoâs Karsyn Conner (3) gets passed the ball during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
El Renoâs Mya Robles (1) blocks a shot on goal during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Santa Fe Southâs Yamilet Garcia (11) works up field during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Santa Fe Southâs Dannae Gutierrez (8) fights off defenders during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Santa Fe Southâs Betsy Medina Dominguez (1) blocks a shot of goal during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Santa Fe Southâs Dannae Gutierrez (8) and El Renoâs Karsyn Conner (3) fight for the ball during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Santa Fe Southâs Dannae Gutierrez (8) looks to pass during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Mascots hold signs during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
El Renoâs Lily Hays (4) passes the ball during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
El Renoâs Lily Hays (4) passes the ball during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Santa Fe South Yamilet Garcia (11) takes a penalty kick during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
El Renoâs Mya Robles (1) blocks a shot on goal during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Santa Fe Southâs Valeria Romero (17) takes a shot at goal during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
1 / 20
El Reno vs Carl Albert in Class 5A high school soccer state tournament
Santa Fe Southâs Valeria Romero (17) passes the ball during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Carl Albert at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
1 / 20
El Reno vs Carl Albert in Class 5A high school soccer state tournament
Santa Fe Southâs Valeria Romero (17) passes the ball during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Carl Albert at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
2 / 20
El Reno vs Carl Albert in Class 5A high school soccer state tournament
El Renoâs Grisell Guzman (16) kicks from the penalty box during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
3 / 20
El Reno vs Carl Albert in Class 5A high school soccer state tournament
Santa Fe Southâs Valeria Romero (17) fights for control of the ball during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
4 / 20
El Reno vs Carl Albert in Class 5A high school soccer state tournament
Santa Fe Southâs Valeria Romero (17) fights for control of the ball during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
5 / 20
El Reno vs Carl Albert in Class 5A high school soccer state tournament
Santa Fe Southâs Valeria Romero (17) fights for control of the ball during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
6 / 20
El Reno vs Carl Albert in Class 5A high school soccer state tournament
Students paint their bodies during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
7 / 20
El Reno vs Carl Albert in Class 5A high school soccer state tournament
El Renoâs Haven Fleenor (6) works towards the ball during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
8 / 20
El Reno vs Carl Albert in Class 5A high school soccer state tournament
El Renoâs Karsyn Conner (3) gets passed the ball during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
9 / 20
El Reno vs Carl Albert in Class 5A high school soccer state tournament
El Renoâs Mya Robles (1) blocks a shot on goal during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
10 / 20
El Reno vs Carl Albert in Class 5A high school soccer state tournament
Santa Fe Southâs Yamilet Garcia (11) works up field during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
11 / 20
El Reno vs Carl Albert in Class 5A high school soccer state tournament
Santa Fe Southâs Dannae Gutierrez (8) fights off defenders during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
12 / 20
El Reno vs Carl Albert in Class 5A high school soccer state tournament
Santa Fe Southâs Betsy Medina Dominguez (1) blocks a shot of goal during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
13 / 20
El Reno vs Carl Albert in Class 5A high school soccer state tournament
Santa Fe Southâs Dannae Gutierrez (8) and El Renoâs Karsyn Conner (3) fight for the ball during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
14 / 20
El Reno vs Carl Albert in Class 5A high school soccer state tournament
Santa Fe Southâs Dannae Gutierrez (8) looks to pass during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
15 / 20
El Reno vs Carl Albert in Class 5A high school soccer state tournament
Mascots hold signs during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
16 / 20
El Reno vs Carl Albert in Class 5A high school soccer state tournament
El Renoâs Lily Hays (4) passes the ball during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
17 / 20
El Reno vs Carl Albert in Class 5A high school soccer state tournament
El Renoâs Lily Hays (4) passes the ball during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
18 / 20
El Reno vs Carl Albert in Class 5A high school soccer state tournament
Santa Fe South Yamilet Garcia (11) takes a penalty kick during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
19 / 20
El Reno vs Carl Albert in Class 5A high school soccer state tournament
El Renoâs Mya Robles (1) blocks a shot on goal during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
20 / 20
El Reno vs Carl Albert in Class 5A high school soccer state tournament
Santa Fe Southâs Valeria Romero (17) takes a shot at goal during the first round of the Class 5A high school soccer state tournament between El Reno and Santa Fe South at Santa Fe South High School in Oklahoma City, on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Jordan Davis covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Jordan? He can be reached at jdavis@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @thejordancdavis. Sign up for The Varsity Club newsletter to access more high school coverage. Support Jordanâs work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com
