2009 MN State HS Soccer Boys 1A Semifinal – Totino Dominates but Mahtomedi Wins

The first Boys 1A game of the day saw the #1 seeded Totino-Grace Eagles (18-3-0) take on the Mahtomedi Zephyrs (14-3-3).

The game was a duel of sorts with possession buildups by the Eagles and classic counter attacks by Mahtomedi, the Zephyrs passing over the T-G defense and trying to break down the Eagles’ defense with their speedy forwards.

But the skill of Totino-Grace ruled the contest with many quality chances allowed to the Eagles. But time after time, T-G seemed unable to find the net. None better than a chance late in the second half when T-G’s Paul Yonga dribbled through the Mahtomedi offense and, after beating 4 players, split the defense and the keeper with a ball across the goalbox. With an unmarked T-G player anxiously waiting the pass, a last minute tip by an outstretched Zephyr defender toed the ball away just inches from its destination.

After 2 halves the statistics showed Totino-Grace to be dominating. But the outstanding goalkeeping of Mahtomedi’s James Neher came to the rescue time and time again. Neher, one of the best keepers in the state, made save after save look easy because of his positioning and technical ability.

The game pushed through full-time and advanced to 2-overtimes where once again T-G dominated.

Before the shootout the final stats were totally dominated by Totino-Grace. Shots were 14-4 T-G as were corner kicks 5-2. Neher was forced to make 8 saves to  Ryan Onwukwe’s 2.

But in the end it was the Zephyrs’ day. Both teams did an excellent job of taking their PKs with the numbers at 2 a piece and giving the keepers no chance. Mr. Soccer Paul Yonga stepped up to take the 3rd kick for T-G and hit it hard but right to the gut of Neher who knocked the ball away. Mahtomedi hit their next two but so did T-G.

So it was up to Mahtomedi’s junior forward Tabor Wolde. If he made the shot the Zephyrs win the game. If not, the PKs were even and it would go the next 5 shooters. With a trip to the boys 1A final on the line, Wolde calmly stepped up and knocked his shot low and hard to the left, beating Onwukwe to become a hero.

Mahtomedi moves onto the Boys 1A finals on Thursday at 12:30 pm.