Connell thumps Highland, rolls into 1A state soccer title game
The Connell boys soccer team is one win away from a state title — and completing an undefeated season.
Lenin Guzman had a hat trick for the Eagles as they beat defending champion Highland 4-1 in Friday’s first Class 1A state semifinal at Sunset Chev Stadium in Sumner. Connell (21-0) will play Seattle Academy (15-6) at 3 p.m. Saturday.
The Eagles, who defeated Highland for the third time this season, will try to capture the third state championship in program history and the first since they won back-to-back 2A titles in 2002 and ’03.
“It was great, but we’ve got one more to go, so hopefully we can win tomorrow,” Eagles coach Hugo Garcia said via telephone. “The boys are ready. The team is ready. We’ve got to play smart tomorrow.”
Looking to avenge last year’s state semifinal loss to Highland, Connell took a 2-0 lead in the first 10 minutes with a pair of Guzman goals. Alexis Ayuso tacked on a goal at 26:07, and the Eagles ended the first half with a 3-0 advantage.
Guzman put Connell up 4-0 with a goal at 53:18, but Alexis Aguilera scored on a free kick 40 seconds later to end Highland’s drought.
Ayuso finished with a goal and two assists.
Highland (16-4-1) will play University Prep (14-3-1) in the third/fourth-place game at 10 a.m. Saturday in Sumner. University Prep lost 3-1 to Seattle Academy in Friday’s other semifinal.
Scoring: 1, C, Lenin Guzman (Alexis Ayuso), 1:18; 2, C, Guzman (Ayuso), 9:08; 3, C, Ayuso (Edgar Reyes), 26:07; 4, C, Guzman, 53:18; 5, H, Alexis Aguilera (Jesse Medina), 53:58. Shots: H 10, C 14. Saves: H, Omar Ramos 2. C, Josue Vargas 8.
Katie Dorsey: 509-582-1526, @KatieS_Dorsey
This story was originally published May 27, 2016 at 4:02 PM with the headline "Connell thumps Highland, rolls into 1A state soccer title game."