The excitement in the crowd outside the stadium was almost tangible. After waiting in a line that was nearly a block long, the anticipation for what was inside the gates was almost too much. After an eighteen game long season, South Men’s Soccer was in the final section game. The game that determined who would go to state.

St Louis Park stood between the South soccer team and their dreams of going to state. Playing on a field that was damp from the rain left players sliding left and right. With even possession of the ball, the South team and fans began to think that the score would remain tied 0-0 going into the second half. But minutes before the first half was over, junior Oscar Campbell scored the first goal. The stands erupted, stomping on the bleachers, and pounding on metal railings.

Although they started the half with the lead, the Tigers kept up the same intensity as the first half. It was well into the second have that senior Negawo Ansha scored the winning second goal.

Leaving the field as champions of the 6AA section, and on their way to state, the men’s soccer team has worked hard for what they accomplished. The tigers will play the first game of the three state games this Thursday at 7:30 at Cottage Grove High School. They will be playing Bloomington Jefferson.