Story, Photos: Eastview Boys Soccer's Perfect Season Halted In State Final

Eastview senior Brennan Espinda Banick carried the runner-up trophy off the Metrodome turf, trying to fight back his emotions as he wore his Lightning boys soccer jersey for the final time.

The midfielder fought back his emotions after Eastview’s 3-1 loss to Eden Prairie in the state finals, knowing his squad came within minutes of bringing a championship home.

“It’s just been incredible all around—the team chemistry, what we did going undefeated until now,” he said. “Obviously not the way we want to go out, but we put on a show for the fans. I’m just sorry we couldn’t finish it off.”

The Lightning reached its first state tournament in team history this fall, carrying an unbeaten record into the final game of the season. And even though Eastview (20-1-1) displayed its dynamic defense through the first 78 minutes—Eden Prairie (16-3-3) led 1-0 just four minutes in through the final two minutes—the Lightning uncharacteristically couldn’t find the back of the net.

Eastview was outshot 14-5 in the game, forcing Eagles goalkeeper Alex Dewey to make one save.

“They were very physical,” Lightning coach Scott Gustafson said. “They closed us down really fast. They had a lot of energy.”

Still, the Lightning were in it until the very end.

Eden Prairie’s first goal came at the 3:47 mark, a booming kick from Medo Youssef that sailed beyond the reach of Eastview keeper Sam Ruelas—who played despite suffering concussion-like symptoms after a collision in Tuesday’s semifinal. Ruelas made three saves on the day.

That’s the way it stood until the 78:23 mark, when EP’s Natalio Blanche scored to make it 2-0. Forty-three seconds later, Michael Vuolo sealed the win, scoring to make it 3-0.

Eastview junior Mathew Gweh scored on a header with 40 seconds to play, but it was not enough.

Still, Gustafson said the ride has been unforgettable. Eastview’s student section dwarfed Eden Prairie’s on Thursday, and Gustafson said the team has enjoyed the support throughout their unbeaten season.

“Going down the hallways and hearing people cheering for us, it’s been a great experience,” Gustafson said. “They acheived this against a lot of odds.”

EspindaBanick agreed.

“Time of my life,” he said. “I never thought we’d make it this far, but it’s incredible. I can’t describe it.”

GAME SCORING SUMMARY

1. 3:47 EP Medo Youssef (Abdul Omar)
2. 78:23 EP Natalio Blanche (Medo Youssef)
3. 79:06 EP Michael Vuolo (unassisted)
4. 79:20 EV Mathew Gweh (unassisted)

EASTVIEW ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM SELECTIONS

Sam Ruelas (goalkeeper)

Mathew Gweh (attacker)

Mike Bonderud (defender)

Joe Karam (attacker)