Eastview Boys Soccer Set For State Title Match

Mathew Gweh doesn’t bog himself down. All things considered, the Eastview boys soccer junior divides his time into two parts.

“School and soccer,” Gweh said. “That’s pretty much my life.”

He served both well on Tuesday.

Gweh notched two goals in the Lightning’s 2-0 win over Minneapolis Southwest, propelling Eastview into the Class AA state championship match on Thursday against Eden Prairie. Game time is set for 3 p.m. at the Metrodome.

In an aggressive, fast-paced chess match between the Lightning and Lakers, it was Gweh who made the difference. Gweh scored in the 34th minute of the first half to break a scoreless tie, then iced the game by scoring with three minutes to play. Sophomore Pierce Erickson assisted on both goals.

The victory ensures Eastview (19-0-1), playing in its first state tournament in school history, will compete for a state championship.

But it was not all good news for the Lightning. Junior goalkeeper Sam Ruelas left the game with 5:30 remaining in regulation and the game still very much in doubt. Ruelas was helped off the field with an apparent head injury and did not return. Trainers on the sideline after the game instructed Ruelas to rest tonight and Wednesday, and his availability in Thursday’s championship game is in question.

He was replaced by sophomore Treston Kederer, who made three saves in relief.

Lightning coach Scott Gustafson said Ruelas had “one of the best displays” of any goalkeeper this season during Tuesday’s win—making seven saves in the game—and it would be unfortunate if he could not play in the championship match.

 “If he can’t play Thursday, it’s probably going to be one of the saddest points in his whole life,” Gustafson said. “To work this hard and get to this point and not be able to play. But he’s a team player and he’ll suck it up.”

Still, the Lightning will move forward and face the Eagles (14-3-3) for the title. They’ll have a shot at making history in the process.

“Our goal was to come to state and win state,” Gweh said. “We are here today and going to the state finals in a couple days. It’s amazing.”