Fighting Saints Soccer capture Regional title with 5-1 win over Bartlett

St. Charles East pulled away in the second half and claimed the Saint Charles East Regional championship with a 5-1 victory over Bartlett on Saturday morning at Norris Stadium. The Fighting Saints turned a 2-0 halftime lead into a runaway finish, punctuating the celebration with Sophia Wallenberg’s late goal in the closing seconds.

Mya Leon led the attack with a hat trick and helped set the tone early. Her first goal came at 37:36 of the first half off an assist from Anika Dodrill, giving the Saints an early lift. Leon struck again at 16:42 before halftime, this time finishing a setup from Lilli Margewich, and St. Charles East carried a two-goal advantage into the break.

The Saints kept pressing after halftime. Sophia Wallenberg added the team’s third goal at 16:57 of the second half on an assist from Mia Olenek, stretching the margin to 3-0. Leon completed her three-goal day at 13:02 off a pass from Qori Strotkamp, putting St. Charles East firmly in command at 4-0.

Bartlett broke through with 9:12 remaining, but the Saints answered with one final highlight. With just 0:19 left, Wallenberg scored again, this time on an assist from Leon, to seal the 5-1 result. That late connection underscored the balance in the St. Charles East attack, which produced goals from multiple combinations throughout the match.

Olenek was strong in goal from start to finish, playing all 80 minutes and making six saves while allowing just one goal. Behind that effort, the Fighting Saints improved to 19-0-5 overall and added a regional championship to a season that already included the 2026 DuKane Conference title. Saturday’s performance gave St. Charles East another polished postseason moment, built on finishing, distribution and steady defending.