Tensions were high, the audience was rowdy, and nerves were growing by the minute as boys soccer awaited their time on the US Bank Stadium field. It was like no other game of the season. They were the last match of the day, and after multiple previous overtimes, it was delayed. Athletes watched the other semi of their class A bracket wrap up, seeing wild celebration and devastated tears. On Wednesday, late into the evening, the Spartans took on Holy Family Catholic High School for their semifinal match, winning and advancing to the finals in a 2-1 score.

Gallery • 8 Photos

Thomas Chen

MINE. Ezra Straub and a Holy Family athlete fight for posession of the ball.

An hour and a half after the original planned start time, the athletes took to the field. The match began and quickly escalated into a vicious and aggressive game. With stakes this high, both the Spartans and the Hole Family Fire felt the pressure. The audience was cheering, hollering, and occasionally threw out a vulgar statement. The Spartans took the advantage, keeping the ball on the opposing side for most of the half, but were unable to send the ball into the net. That is, until 20 minutes in when forward Liam Sullivan took advantage of a shot blocked by the Fire goalie and sent the ball straight into the goal. For the rest of the half, both teams made many strong moves, but in the end, the score remained 1-0.

In the second half, the roles were reversed. The Holy Family Fire, panicking to catch up, were constantly on the offensive, inching closer and closer to the goal. The Spartans had a tough time gaining possession and making it across the field. In the 53rd minute, the Fire scored their first goal, tying the match 1-1. For the remaining 27 minutes, both sides were frantic, taking any opportunity to score a point. The audience became louder than ever, screaming at the top of their lungs, praying their school would pull through. Even with all this energy, no goals were scored, and the two teams went into overtime.

Overtime consists of two 10-minute periods. In this game, whichever team that scored the first goal during these periods would win the entire thing. Knowing it was a one-and-done deal, the Spartans and Fire became even more anxious, yelling at the referees, raising hands, and playing aggressively. There were no second chances. They had to be the first ones to get the ball in. The two sides went back and forth, over and over. Many times, it seemed like the ball was set to go in, but it was always blocked.

Eight minutes into the first period, Orion Kim made a small breakthrough. Though he was still too far away to create a secure shot, he knew he couldn’t wait and sent it with all his might. An opposing player blocked it, but Junior Ethan Peltier saw an opening and kicked. The audience stood in anticipation, and time seemed to slow down. It went in. The ball went in. The Spartans erupted with energy and excitement, running across the field and climbing the bleachers. The Holy Family Fire fell with defeat. With a score of 2-1, the Spartans had won.

Tonight, at 5:00 p.m., the Spartans will take on Pine Island at the US Bank Stadium for the title of Class A state champions.