Stewartville’s Cole Kropp Scores OT Winner, Advances to State Semifinals

BREAKING: In a heart-stopping finish, the Stewartville High School boys soccer team triumphed over Mounds Park Academy 2-1 in overtime during the Class 1A state quarterfinal on October 24, 2023. The victory propels Stewartville to the semifinals at U.S. Bank Stadium, where they will face the winner of the quarterfinal clash between No. 3 St. Cloud Cathedral and Cristo Rey Jesuit on Tuesday, October 28, at 7 p.m.

The decisive moment came just five minutes into the second half of overtime when Cole Kropp, a finalist for Mr. Soccer, seized a rare opportunity. After a failed clearance from the MPA defense, Kropp—who now has 29 goals this season—snatched the ball inside the box and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot that found the back of the net, sealing the win for the No. 2 seeded Tigers.

Initially, Stewartville faced an uphill battle when they fell behind 1-0 in the 19th minute. Wiktor Sroka‘s impressive run down the right wing set up Leyton Hudson for a low one-timer that slipped past Stewartville goalkeeper Brecken Rester, marking only the 10th goal the Tigers had conceded all season. MPA controlled much of the first half, leaving Stewartville with little room for error.

However, the Tigers displayed remarkable resilience. Coach Chris Kuisle praised his team for their adaptability, which became evident after halftime. Just two minutes into the second half, Cody Clark equalized with a thunderous header from a corner kick by Evan Torres, marking the program’s first goal at state.

With the momentum swinging, Stewartville relentlessly pressured the MPA defense, testing goalkeeper Owen Johnston with several shots. Rester made critical saves to keep the team in the game, especially during a tense first overtime period where he executed a stunning diving save to deny a potential game-winner from MPA.

As the clock ticked down, the match seemed destined for a shootout until Kropp’s moment of brilliance turned the tide. His game-winning strike not only secured Stewartville a spot in the semifinals but also underscored the team’s determination and skill.

Fans are urged to stay tuned for updates as the Tigers prepare for their next challenge in the state tournament. This thrilling overtime victory adds to the excitement surrounding high school soccer in Minnesota, as Stewartville aims for glory on the grand stage.