MN State HS Boys 1A – Mahtomedi Defeats St. Cloud Cathedral

It only took 1 minute to decide the outcome of Wednesday night’s state playoff soccer game between the Mahtomedi Zephyrs (14-3-3) and St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders (17-0-2).

William Corcoran from the Zephyrs put one into the back of the net on an assist from midfielder Michael Murphy 1 minute and 7 seconds into the game. Murphy took a ball from the right side and with good vision sent a diagonal ball to the left side of the field. Corcoran made a nice first touch and played the ball into the box. He then shot low and left beating St. Cloud Cathedral keeper Peter Coborn.

“I saw one of my players (Murphy) who I knew was a good distributor had the ball on the right side,” said goal scorer Corcoran. So I had the angle to make the run. I made that split and he played the ball right through the air. I took if off my thigh, settled it on the ground and put it past the keeper into the corner.”

“I just have the gift of seeing every play that’s coming,” said midfielder Murphy. “I know he’s making that run backside. I’ve talked to him about that all year and had the confidence in him. I saw him making that run, I knew he’d get there. I was just so happy when he put that away.”

Emmanuel Giddings of Mahtomedi was a threat to Cathedral most of the second half, making runs and placing several shots on goal, one that hit the crossbar and harmlessly bounced back into play and away from Zephyr attack.

The Crusaders attacked in numbers putting plenty of balls into the box with multiple attackers.

With 2 minutes left in game Cathedral put an onslaught of shots on the Mahtomedi goal. With less the 2 minutes to play St. Cloud Cathedral crossed a ball through the box. As the Mahtomedi keeper James Neher went to punch the ball out it was headed over the bar by Cathedral. Then with 1 minute on the clock Mahtomedi saw yet another furious attack at goal that saw several shots from close range blocked by the Zephyr defense and the Mahtomedi defense held.

“They were very good ball distributors,” said Corcoran. “They played one and two touch very quickly. But we have a good defense and were able to step up and take those balls away. That was the key to our success, stepping up and taking the balls away, especially in the air.”

Murphy added, “We were lucky to win it. Cathedral deserved to be out here. It was just a moment of who wanted it more.”

Shots: Cathedral 14, Mahtomedi 10