Offense carries Eagle Ridge to state soccer title

~ Eagle Ridge scored 24 goals in three games at the MCSAA soccer tournament

The Eagle Ridge boys soccer team entered the state tournament determined not to let history repeat itself.

The Eagles dominated offensively on their way to the Missouri Christian School Athletic Association state title Saturday.

"It was a pretty exciting night," Eagle Ridge coach Jonathan Thomasson Sr. said.

Eagle Ridge knocked off Christian Outreach 10-0 in the title game. Part of the Eagles' motivation for wearing out the nets was what happened in last year's state title game. The Eagles were whistled for a penalty in the box in the final minute of a scoreless game. Faith Community converted the penalty kick for the 1-0 victory and the state title.

"It was really satisfying because last year was a really close game," Thomasson said of this year's championship. "It was 0-0 until the last 39 seconds and we lost on a penalty kick that really shouldn't have been called. We kind of felt like we never got to finish last year.

"That was part of the plan, just to score as many goals as possible."

Sam Davis led the Eagles with a hat trick, while Stephen Cohen, Roy Yoon and Aaron Margrabe each scored twice.

"We have a couple of players who have been playing on the team since they were in seventh or eighth grade," Thomasson said. "They've been going to that tournament and they've really been prepared to play well and finally win that state championship."

The Eagles outscored their three opponents 24-2 at the state tournament.

"We've always really had a strong defense," Thomasson said. "We've always had low scoring against us in most games, so we just stuck with our normal defense."

Thomasson also credited goalkeeper Ethan Grant, who recorded four saves in the title game.

"We have a really good goalkeeper," Thomasson said. "He didn't make the all-state team this year, but the last two years he's made the all-state team and he's an incredibly good goalkeeper."

Davis, Cohen, Yoon and Josh Carbaugh, who scored once in the championship game, all made the MCSAA all-state team.

Thomasson said there were no plans for a celebration at the school today because it's Eagle Ridge's fall break. The Eagles finished the season 14-4.

"I'm sure we're going to get together and do something special for the guys," he said. "I don't know exactly yet. I have to get together with the AD. After the weekend, everyone just wanted a break."