SPCP had a strong possession game, and New Ulm found it difficult to disrupt the offense of the Cougars.

“They are very good at dribbling,” New Ulm head coach Tim Plocher said. “We weren’t able to get it off their foot, and they were able to dribble it around us. We couldn’t get it off their foot. That’s basically it … They scored on their set pieces. I expected them to do that and they did. They’re a very well-coached team and we’ve got to be ready for next season now.”

New Ulm had some promising moments on the attack, with Levi Johnson coming away with a goal with 22:18 to play, but for the most part the Cougars were able to clear the ball and limit opportunities for the Eagles.

“Their goalie had great hands,” Plocher said. “They didn’t drop a single ball. Some of it was us hoping or depending on a ricochet or something, but he just kept on grabbing it. Great goalie. Kind of excited to see how they play next week.”

Staff photo by Ari Selvey New Ulm’s Oliver Schuch runs after a ball during a Class AA Boys Soccer State Tournament game against St. Paul Como Park Wednesday at Farmington High School.

Neither team scored in the first half, but SPCP scored two goals early in the second half to take a 2-0 lead. Johnson had his goal after a well-placed ball by Jackson Ocampo, getting past the goalie and putting the ball in the net to cut the lead to 2-1, and New Ulm kept up the intensity of the attack, getting several more opportunities. However, SPCP added one more goal in the 74th minute, extending the lead back to 3-1. The Cougars held on to make that the final score, ending the Eagles’ season.

“Best season ever,” Plocher said. “And I’m looking forward to coming back here in a year. I’ve got some great guys, and I know I’m losing a ton of good guys too, but the guys have heart. I know that it’s sad today, but it starts again tomorrow.”

Plocher said the team would miss the seniors for next year.

“Looking at Cole [Frederick] and Jackson, they’ve been on varsity for four years,” Plocher said. “They’ve been leaders the whole time as they grew up. Maybe a little hot-headed when they were younger, but they matured and became fantastic leaders on and off the field. And having Dan [Brownfield], a senior captain as well, awesome, strong, doesn’t make bad decisions.

“I appreciate Logan Enter, Michael Fitterer, Brady Thomas, Ethan Cunningham, all those guys were ready right away when I needed them. And Austin [Krohn], the best keeper I had that I didn’t expect. I didn’t expect him to be playing lights out like he did.”

Staff photo by Ari Selvey New Ulm’s Levi Johnson celebrates after scoring a goal during the Class AA Boys Soccer State Tournament game against St. Paul Como Park Wednesday at Farmington High School.