Noah Bruder [11], after a quick breakaway, came within ten yards of scoring his first goal in the state tournament. The keeper from Jefferson High School finally jumped off of his line, just as Bruder eyed the opposite corner, cocked back his leg, and prepared to score the goal that would tie the quarter final game, bringing his team one step closer to being champions.
But his shot never came. A Jefferson defender, desperate to keep the lead, crashed towards Bruder, and, in a split-second, both he and the defender were gone.
Senior captain defender Colton Nelson(12) took a determined trek from his half to take the penalty kick, and squared off against the Jefferson keeper.
Less than a minute later, Nelson’s low shot found its mark in the corner. Surrounded by overjoyed teammates, but with a determined straight face, Nelson took a light jog back to his half.
“It wasn’t even my best PK,” he said. “The goalie touched it.”
Nevertheless, his goal marked the turning point that brought his team to the doorstep of the championship AA title.
In the 39th minute, the deciding goal was scored by Mitch Bogey [12], assisted by Jeremiah Strand [11]. Strand exploded through multiple Jefferson defenders before sending the ball to Bogey from the corner. The Jefferson keeper turned just in time to see the ball sail into the net.
Finally, TJ Soehn [10], assisted by Bruder in the 52nd minute, scored the death blow that sealed Jefferson High School’s fate.
The final score was 3-1.
The boys will have the chance to win—for the first time—the state championship. The final showdown is scheduled for Thursday, October 30, in the Metrodome at 5:30 against Eastview, who won their quarterfinal against Stillwater 3-1.