The Independence High girls will ring in the new year as champs and with some momentum heading into the second half of their season. 

So too will the Sunrise Mountain boys.

The soccer programs closed 2025 as the annual Independence High tournament champs after Independence shut out Willow Canyon 3-0, and Sunrise Mountain outlasted Apollo in a shootout that went nine rounds. 

Sunrise Mountain walked away with two trophies in 2025. (Jose Garcia photo/AZPreps365)Apollo’s final penalty kick sailed high above the crossbar to end a shootout in which Sunrise Mountain and Apollo each only missed once until the final PK attempt by the tournament runner-up. Their match was tied 1-1 after 80 minutes and a 10-minute Golden Goal overtime. 

Sunrise Mountain is dealing with some injuries and inexperience but gained a lot of confidence after winning its second title this year. Back in March, the program won its first state title. 

But it graduated 14 seniors, including eight starters.

“We’ve been in every game we’ve played,” Sunrise Mountain coach Erik Anderson said. “We’ve just had some bad injuries. It’s been hard. We’ve thrown in multiple freshmen who are helping us out. But hoping that once we get healthy, we’ll be really good.” 

Anderson’s program did welcome some talented transfers, including goalkeeper Nolan Roles, defender Logan Allen and forward Malachi Huisman. 

Roles kept Apollo from scoring its second goal of the second half after a well-executed kick save early in the half. Huisman, like Roles, is a vocal leader who also contributed to Wednesday’s victory. 

In the 30th minute, the fast-charging Huisman dribbled for about 35 yards before beating a defender and goalkeeper for his team’s goal in regulation. One of the freshmen who is playing for Anderson is his son, Landon, a forward. 

“We have a lot of new players, but we are finally gaining chemistry and working for each other,” said Sunrise Mountain captain Riley Anderson, Landon’s brother. "It showed in this tournament that we can still play."   

After Sunrise Mountain (5-2-3) took care of business, beating Apollo (4-2-2) for the second time in three days, it was Independence’s turn to also beat a familiar opponent.

Willow Canyon (4-3-2) and Independence met for the third time this season. Their first two meetings were competitive affairs, when Independence was missing a couple of players. 

On Wednesday, Independence gained the upper hand quickly with the help of fleet-footed forward Jocelyn Vite. The senior, who scored five goals in a game this season, recorded a hat trick against Willow Canyon in the first half.

“Definitely the energy,” said Vite about what she likes about her 2025-26 squad. “We lost a lot of seniors last year, so we have a lot of freshmen this year. But a lot of players are stepping up and filling other players’ spots. Everybody is welcoming and nice to each other so that helps.”

Independence (5-3-1) wants to finally advance in the playoffs after coming off back-to-back first round playoff losses. 

How far they’ll go this year will depend on how well the new players take to their new roles. With forward/defender Sofia Nilson and midfielder/defender Giselle Estrada helping man the middle of the field along with Vite, Independence doesn’t have to look far for senior leadership.   

“It’s exciting,” Independence co-head coach Angel Ramirez said. “It’s been a while since we won our own tournament, so I’m glad to see the girls step up. They've been doing really good recently. I’m pretty happy about it."  

Independence High