Troy City Finishes Strong in 2025

By Garrett Pog

For the last time in a humid Evolution Sportsplex, 21 players for Troy City WFC suited up and took on a depleted Michigan Jaguars squad, who they vanquished once again by a 3-1 score to further secure the MPSL Crown for the 2nd year in a row.

“What a great way to finish,” said John Arndt, Director and Head Coach of the program. “I wasn’t sure what the expectations were going to be, but they exceeded them. Winning the league again, fielding three teams and finishing 2nd in the UWS, I can’t ask for a better season.”

There were many mixed emotions from the team throughout the evening, knowing that this would be their last competitive play until the fall, and potentially Spring for the high-school aged players. That gave them more than enough motivation to push forward and go for every opportunity in this match.

With not a lot going on through 30 minutes, Troy was taking home-run shots on most offensive possessions, while the Jags kept getting called offsides. This changed when Troy City earned a corner in the 32nd minute, and the ball cleared Savannah Spangler’s (Marian) head, only for it to bounce off a Jags player to Spangler’s feet, where she scooted the ball past the line to make it 1-0.

Shortly after, McKenna Clouston (Utah Valley) dribbled the ball up the field after drawing a foul, and made an excellent pass through the back line to Emily Mendrick (Ashland), who scored on an easy 1-on-1 opportunity. Troy would create more chances, including Mari Stojacevski (Findlay) tumbling after getting fouled while dribbling the ball. She later joked that she was going to become a gymnast with all the tumbling she’s done this summer.

Within a minute of that goal, the Michigan Jaguars made a promising attack on the left side of the field, in which Cecily Hughes (Lourdes) attempted to make her signature slide tackle in the 18-yard box. Unfortunately, she slightly clipped the leg of the attacker, forcing a penalty and a goal from the opposition. Emma Nicholson (Husson) would get revenge on Hughes’ behalf before the halftime whistle with a slide tackle so hard, she nearly put a dent into the ground. The score would read 2-1 going into halftime.

The attitude on the home sideline was a joyous one, as it has been all season long. There’s always casual chitchat and conversation going on, with the knowledge that it’s time to lock in once you step on the field. The culture and friendliness amongst the girls who play here is what’s separated Troy City from every other club they’ve played this season.

“It’s really cool to see how people hold themselves both on and off the field,” Spangler remarked after the game. “Everyone’s cheering for you, even if you make a mistake, it’s onto the next play. That support helps a lot, to get excited and keep playing hard.” She mentioned Nicholson and Mendrick as people she’s grown close to over the summer, despite having different relationships with them prior to playing together this summer.

After much anticipation and build up throughout the 2nd half, Troy City sealed it with an Emmy Teolis (Ferris State) goal from her new Bulldog teammate, Reese Carmody (Ferris State) with 20 minutes left to play. Though Troy City would create more chances, they could afford to pump the brakes as the Michigan Jaguars would play down a person for almost the entirety of the match.

Troy City took time after the game to pose for multiple pictures with the MPSL Championship trophy, highlighting just how much all 3 teams were able to accomplish this summer, and the camaraderie built on the way there.

“There’s a couple girls that I know are not coming back because of their age, but we get to replace them with newer girls as the younger talent now become the veterans,” Arndt said, looking forward to the 2026 season. “Next season starts tomorrow, but we’ll get things rolling and tryouts in December will be an exciting time.”

That will do it for the 2025 Troy City WFC season. It’s been an honor and a privilege to bring these games to life through the written word this season, as this team continues to reach new heights each year. Take care of yourselves, and Troy City will see you in 2026!