The Miners girls soccer team escaped a late-game scare from the Stansbury Stallions Monday in the semifinals of state, winning 2-1 in extra time. In doing so, Park City advances to the 4A state finals, where they’ll be facing the top-seeded Green Canyon Wolves out of North Logan on Friday.
The Stansbury contest was straightforward until the final seconds of regulation, when the Stallions redirected in a last-second equalizer. The goal sent Stallions fans into a frenzy, while appearing to take the wind out of Park City’s sails. Thankfully for the Miners, the clock eventually wound down and Head Coach Anthony DiCicco was able to go to work, passionately reminding his girls that all of their goals still lay ahead.
While it appeared all the momentum his team had built stalled with the Stansbury goal, DiCicco said he always knew his bunch would come through.
“This is what this team is made of,” he said on the pitch. “We are built in such a way that we know we are capable of doing exactly what we did, which is finding a way to win.”
This win was walked off in miraculous fashion by senior center Kendall Hassel. Only a few moments into the second extra time period, Hassel sent in a curving corner kick that somehow found the front corner of the Stansbury net. Hassel and her coach had a laugh when discussing if the kick was placed intentionally, with Hassel following up, saying nonchalantly, “It was a good way to end it.”
Hassel and the rest of her teammates soon cooled down following the emotional high of their late game heroics. They know the challenge Green Canyon will pose in just few days. DiCicco and his squad were able to get in a bit of scouting, with the Wolves having been a part of the preceding semifinal, and he said he’s confident and thrilled for fans that the top two teams in 4A will be squaring off.
An added bonus coming with the finals appearance is the chance to play in America First Field, home to Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals. The stadium seats over 20,000. Park City typically has a relatively small but roaring fan section. Kickoff will be at 2 p.m.
