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♪ ♪ >>> Straight to play.

Garcia with the right.

Get it in!

♪ ♪ >>> It is time for state championship soccer.

Welcome to Iowa's capital city, Des Moines, where three classes of girls state soccer champions await coronation on the lush green fields of Cownie soccer parks.

First matchup in 1a, as the seven-seeded sue city Bishop "Hamilton"eelan crusaders take on the four-seeded Tigers of Gilbert.

Hi again, everyone.

Welcome.

Justin bore Esther, bj Shaven here.

When you look at it, it is not how you finish.

These two teams lost the two opening regular season games and now look at them.

They will set themselves up for a great match.

>> The opening two games of the season being nothing right now.

We are in the finals of the class 1a championship.

You look at the seeding, seven against four, you will be surprised with the outcome today.

>> Let's look at these teams more in depth.

For Bishop Heelan.

They have eight starters back from last year's tournament team.

Look out for the sophomore, Trelyn White, 21 goals this season.

Everyone knows about Jada Newberg, 27 goals this season.

She leads the overall team in points.

Conversely on tots side for the Gilbert Tigers, their seventh trip to state.

Ten seniors on the roster.

They haven't allowed a goal during the postseason.

Quite impressive.

How about the senior, Sydney lynch, leading goals and assists, a member of the golf team that won the 3a state championship last week.Lynch, leading goals and assists, a member of the golf team that won the 3a state championship last week.

Beautiful setting for soccer.

Let's turn it over today's public address announcer, Rex baker.

>> Good afternoon and welcome to the Iowa girl's state soccer tournament in this 1a championship match between the crusaders, Bishop heelan and the Tigers from Gilbert.

Let's meet the teams.

First, the non-starters and assistant coaches for crusaders.

Number 0, Jaycee Aldrich.

Number 00, abby Lee.

Number 5, Ashlie Nuno.

Number 6, Maddie LaFleur.

Number 7, Jayden DeLeon.

Number 10, Kylie Gengler.

Number 11, grace Nelson.

Number 18, Natalie Nelson.

Number 19, Brynn Kuntz.

Number 20, Katelyn Porath.

Number 22, Maggie Breyfogle.

The assistant coach for the crusaders, Kayla lampier.

Starters for Bishop Heelan.

Lauren LaFleur.

Number 3, Addison keel.

Freshman number 4, Reese Bleeker.

A senior, number 8, Lauryn peculiar.

A sophomore, Number 9, Trelyn white.

A senior, Number 12, Elizabeth De Los Santos.

A senior, Number 13, Nyla Jochum.

A senior, Number 14, Marin Frazee.

Senior, number 15, Brooklyn Stanley.

Senior, number 23, Jada Newberg.

Head coach for the crusaders, Sean mansfield.

Let's meet the nonstarters and assistant coaches for the Tigers.

Number 1, Claire Koenig.

Number 7, Anna Saltzman.

Number 22, Keaton Hanson.

Number 26, Quinn dikie.

Number 32, Mia Coutland.

Number 40, hope Marquette.

Number 41, Avery Bruner.

Number 42, Adelaide Sorrells.

Number 53, abby Patel.

Number 56, Ella Gebhart.

Chris Anne Worley.

Kelley Herbers.

Tom Eisenhardt.

Adam Mesky.

Let's meet the starters for the Tigers.

A junior, number 4, Elle O'Brien.

A freshman, number 6, Madison powers.

A senior, number 8, Ava Johnson.

A senior, Number 9, Alex Harswick.

A senior, Number 10, Sydney Lynch.

A senior, number 11, Braelynn Thomas.

A junior, Number 14, Sarah Thatcher.

A senior, number 24, abby Greeter.

A senior, number 28, Norah Kalvik.

A senior, number 34, Ellie Pyle.

And a junior, number 35, Katie O'Brien.

Co-head coaches for the Tigers are Dan Jones and Heather cUrrens.

Our officials for today's game, your referee, Millie Phillips.

Your first assistant referee, Emily Phillips.

Your second assistance referee, Janie Hefling.

Your fourth official, Hito Titsa.

Good luck to both teams this afternoon.

Let's play some championship soccer!

>>> All right.

The teams are set.

We're about ready to go.

Sunny, 84 degrees here in Des Moines.

There is a slight breeze, very slight, out of the east at about 7 with a dew point at 62.

It feels like it is about 85, Justin.

It is steamy.

These two teams played yesterday and it was amazing how each advanced.

It was Bishop Heelan defeating in opening round and then disposing of assumption, 4-1, to get here.

For Gilbert it was a win against Underwood and then a double win against Christian.

What do the crusaders need to do?

>> They have to look to get the ball to Sydney Lynch and Elle O'Brien as quickly as possible.

The press from the crusaders will be hard and strong.

They won, 4-1 yesterday, unbelievable against assumption.

Nobody expected it.

There will be surprises today.

>> And how about for the Gilbert Tigers?

>> We are looking at the Tigers.

The back line has to be nice and steady.

Thomas in goal.

Johnson, Alex Harswick, they might need to change the way they play out of the back because they've become predictable.

If they are found out, the press will come in quickly from the crusaders.

>> Here we are about ready to go.

Gilbert wearing the black uniforms with white numbers.

You can see their captain there for Gilbert, Alex Harswick, the senior.

Part of the state swimming team for Ames.

Was a wrestler that competed at state competition, Harswick was.

Just in her second year.

Then on the other side you have the Heelan crusaders.

The only title they have, they've been to the state championship game many times.

The only time they won was in 2015.

It is Gilbert's first-ever appearance in the class 1a state championship.

So the referee, Millie Phillips, counting 'em down and we are under way as Gilbert will own possession at the very opening.

Yesterday against Des Moines Christian they mentioned they won in double overtime.

A lengthy game and you have to wonder about their legs.

Ice baths was the recipe for both of these two teams afterwards, but Gilbert probably enjoyed theirs a little bit more.

>> Talking to Heather Cohens just before the game, she was really positive about the players and how much they rehydrated.

They went in the second period of over time with seven minutes to go against Des Moines Christian but she said the players were up for it today.

>> Gilbert with excellent possession to begin with.

This is Lynch.

Keep an eye on her, Number 10 today.

Leads the team with 25 goals on the season, as the Tigers spread the field.

They go wide.

They're going to challenge the cr4sader defense.

Yesterday against Des Moines Christian it wasn't about time of possession but more so of trying to stall out the high octane offense of the lions who were trying to defend their state title from a year ago.

Gilbert again, Justin, this is excellent play.

>> Yeah, it is good at the moment, keeping the ball, just getting a feel of the opponents and how they press.

I do like the fact Ellie Powell, the left back, gets forward when it is on to sport on the left-hand side.

She could maybe get higher up the field but a good start for Gilbert Tigers because it is now getting a feel and the momentum.

>> We will take a look at the keepers in a moment.

Both have been very pivotal through the state tournament run.

Now an opportunity here for Bishop Heelan.

Again, the Tiger defense which in my mind has been underestimated.

They've given up a lot of goals this season, no question when you look at the stat sheet, but Gilbert scheduled up this year, playing a lot of bigger schools, if you will.

They felt like that would help them during the post-season run.

What about Bishop Heelan?

They take on anybody and everybody who will play them.

>> It is interesting talking to coach Sean because it was so positive and smiles all around, happy to be here again, you know.

>> Here is an attempt towards the net.

It is going to float past.

This is Bleeker who is going to try to track it down for Heelan.

There is a whistle and, guess what?

We will have our first penalty of the game and a free kick for the cr4sader.

>> Bleeker brought down in an area more like a corner.

Looking at this again, Bleeker taking a touch, riding the tag will and is brought down by Katie O'Brien.

>> Here is Lauryn Peck, two goals versus assumption in the semifinals.

Ready to put her right foot into it.

Towards the net.

Thomas going to be challenged.

The Tigers try to clear it.

It stays inside the zone and then finally boxed out of there.

Lynch down the field and a hard tackle that will draw a whistle.

Millie Phillips, the referee, very busy here early on with the whistle and a free kick coming from the back.

This will be Harswick who will put her toe into it.

Harswick with her left food.

Stretched down and an easy play for Lauren LaFleur who has been sensational in the postseason.

75 saves, save percentage at 86%.

Boy, again, that will be Trelyn White, the sophomore, with a penalty.

The Tigers will toe it up.

Each team very aggressive early on, Justin.

>> Good decision here from the referee.

Because as you can see the player wasn't actually looking at the ball.

It was more at the player.

So when you look at the situation, definitely a foul, as Trelyn White came in and knocked it over the back.

>> Heelan with the best opportunity so far but Tigers have had the possession.

Gilbert looking to stretch the field a little bit as they throw it back to the middle back.

Heelan looking to advance.

Here is Newberg.

Trying to get an opportunity but quickly closed in on and the tap-out.

So Heelan will have to throw.

With jaden Newberg, the senior, 27 goals this season.

She has been marked all season long by her opponents but she has been able to throw up amazing statistics.

We mentioned the goals, but 61 points.

Has been a catalyst.

Here is White.

Who will that be out on?

This will be Heelan.

>> You can see with Trelyn white how much pace she has and how she can get it behind and how she shields it out for a goal kick, a corner.

>> So Heelan towards the net.

A high riser, that one headed back out.

Harswick will clear it with her left foot.

Some players slow to get up after a Christian.

Here is Lynch trying to feed it ahead.

Powers tackles hard.

Will continue on with Lynch.

Harswick with the good head pass.

Again, Gilbert able to play the field wide.

That's Pyle on the outside.

>> Like I mentioned before, Pyle likes to get forward.

>> Play will resume on.

Gilbert, seventh first-ever appearance here.

She is going to streak towards the net, White with an opportunity, going to challenge Thomas.

It goes in!

>> An individual goal there by Trelyn White, picking up the ball on the far side, in the wide area.

Just drifting past the Jerseys, the black Jerseys that are coming across, and White with the outside of her right foot plunging the ball past Thomas in the opposite corner.

>> That's her third goal of the state tournament.

Watch this little toe kick with the left foot, finding the corner.

>> Unbelievable finish.

Look at the pace of White.

Just two players around her.

Gets a toe to the ball and just plugs it past Thomas in the opposite corner.

>> Sean mansfield told us yesterday that White is just relentless.

You saw that there, did not give up on the play and kept it ahead.

Now Gilbert owning the possession of the ball.

They haven't had a direct shot on net yet.

Can they get one here if they can find their way?

Again, a turnover.

Here come the Crusaders.

Harswick will punch it out.

Let's see which side that went on.

And it is another opportunity for Heelan.

They're up, 1-0, in the early stages here thanks to White's goal.

>> I can see in Trelyn White she is very confident.

Ball goes out for a corner, automatically signaling to the other side, to the officials, knowing that it is a corner.

>> This is peck's shot and it is going to go wide.

The wind is starting to ever so slightly pick up.

Might have had a slight effect on the ball.

Now for Gilbert, how about that?

Giving up their first goal of the post-season.

>> Interesting, but they've come up against a very, very good side in Bishop Heelan.

And with a player like White and a player like Newberg, the two center backs, Johnson and Harswick, are going to be very busy this afternoon.

>> Heelan's midfielders have been strong the last couple of minutes here.

Lynch looking for some space.

Punch out.

As we pick it up with play with Powers.

Trying to find a streaker down the side with Pyle.

A little extra shoving there.

And now the deep shot.

The centering pass goes awry.

Gilbert will send it back in.

Tigers yesterday, we mentioned the double overtime game.

Able to get that goal late.

As it will be a throw for Gilbert.

>> As you can see how Gilbert are keeping possession, keeping possession, but it is when it breaks down, look to see where Trelyn White is, can you pick her up.

Norah is going to have a big job ahead of her, playing in the midfield.

She needs to get someone beside her to stop the ball being played into White's feet.

They may have to change the system to a four-four-two diamond to have an overload in the midfield.

>> I tell you, White is giving fits to this Tiger defense.

Opportunity for Heelan as they streak ahead with Bleeker.

Harswick does the quick punch-out.

Heelan will hold the possession here.

>> Pressure from Newberg.

Not allowing Harswick or Johnson to play out of the back, just forcing them to play out for a throw in.

>> Off the head of Harswick and it will go out.

A corner kick here.

This is going to be the third of the game for Heelan.

>> They've been dangerous with the corners, except for the one that went out earlier, but the corners have driven in.

It is precise.

>> This is Addison Kuehl.

She scored against Assumption off of a corner in the finals.

Let's see what happens here.

Have the Gilbert faithful behind her.

Might have jostled the nerves a little bit on that kick.

White, headsy play by the sophomore.

>> Michelle White comes across, checking her shoulder left and right.

She is aware of what is around her.

Wins her team the throw-in.

>> Throw by Gengler, intercepted by Gilbert.

Now a play on the ball.

Just stuck on the line and a quick tap out.

>> Doing enough there to win the throw.

>> Thomas will intercept.

I mean Gilbert has had a lot of time with the ball, Justin, but they haven't had any quality once they getting side of the zone.

>> It is the transitional moment, and here is the thing.

Bishop Heelan know exactly what they want to do on the counterattack, as quickly as possible get that ball forward to Newberg and White and then they step up and squeeze the lines and don't allow any space in between the lines.

It is an issue right now for Gilbert.

Like I mention it, a diamond midfield might work a little bit better for them just so they can overload the central areas.

>> Opportunity here for the Tigers.

That's Powers.

Again, terrific defense by If you are just joining us late, Crusaders on the board.

Trelyn White on a breakaway able to get a goal about seven minutes into this contest.

It is the 1a title game.

We have three championships for you here on Iowa PBS.

2a will come up as it is a rematch and then the 3a title match.

It is an all CLMI final.

All day here on Iowa PBS.

Here is a shot that will just go over the net.

It will be a goal kick here coming up for Heelan.

>> O'Brien getting to the by line delivering with her right foot.

Could have been the pace.

The matchup is in her favor against the right back for bishop Heelan, Nyla Jochum.

Could be an angle to go for.

Can you expose the Crusaders in the wide areas?

>> There's Harswick again, able to play it back.

A little pressure here now as Heelan moves forward.

Tough to break line.

Gilbert sensing it, trying to do it right now.

Again an opportunity.

Here is Newberg on the outside.

Jada Newberg very dangerous on the outside.

Able to split the defender.

That shot going to go wide.

White will track it down.

What terrific speed by Trelyn White but they're going to say no, it was out.

>> Look at the sportsmanship from White, picking the ball up, giving it back to the goalkeeper Thomas to take a goal kick for the opponent.

But look at the spacing again between the lines and the center backs, too far apart.

Whereas the ball was played to the far side, and now it was Newberg's opportunity to break the line on the right-hand side.

The transitional moments when the ball is lost, the back four coming together to close the space and make it as compact as possible needs to be quicker.

.

>> Tigers again trying to stretch it, trying to find that opening seam if they can.

With the pass off to O'Brien.

Greeder with the pass off to O'Brien.

Again, they tried to hit the center, the midfield.

That's where Heelan has been so strong here today against Gilbert, not allowing a seam.

Can the Tigers tie it up?

Oh, terrific play on the far outside by Heelan.

This will stay in play.

>> Frazee doing well on the outside for Heelan.

It is noticeable how much space she has in the middle field.

She needs to create an angle and then she is going forward.

There's a massive gap in there.

>> Opportunity, Newberg.

To the outside.

Jada.

Boy, whistling through defenders.

That shot going to go wide left.

We are inside of 25 minutes to play.

Don't forget that throughout the state championship day here there will be water breaks, 20 minutes into each half or at the official's discretion.

Millie Phillips, who had a busy whistle early on with some physical play, things have settled down quite a bit.

>> Yeah, it has actually been enjoyable because the flow of the game and the momentum has been allowed to play on.

It has been quite clean since the early moments of the game.

A couple of tackles, feisty moments but that normally happens in first five to ten minutes.

>> Yeah.

No fire cracker.

>> There will be fire crackers later.

>> Yes, there will be.

We have some teams with some yellow cards that will be participating a little bit later on.

These two teams not known for too rough of play, but I tell you what?

That was a whale of a tackle there by Heelan.

We do see a whistle and it might have been on the counter that Millie Phillips will call the penalty against Gilbert.

>> Yeah, Millie Phillips saw an infringement there.

As you can see the tackle coming in, you don't see much with that, but I think it is this initial clearance handball.

Looks like -- >> Yeah, handball.

>> Yeah.

>> We've got to tell you, today we are sitting amongst the fans.

Why not, Justin?

That's where we want to be.

We are right along the sideline today.

As you see Heelan with another chance, has Gilbert this time, their defense able to double team and take that one away.

>> Yeah.

It is great to be in amongst the fans and listen to their banter.

>> Here's Lynch.

Hasn't really had an opportunity to strike yet.

The misplay for Heelan.

Playing with some control now, up by a goal.

This one going to go all the way down, and Thomas will let it roll out for a goal kick.

>> Trelyn White asking a lot of her teammate up front there, Newberg.

Both of those players are dangerous.

I'm just looking at this buildup out of the back here.

So again, able to receive the ball as is the change in at left back.

.

>> Mia countman in for the game for the Gilbert Tigers.

32.

As Gilbert, they have more depth than what Heelan does.

Just the number of players that the co-head coaches for the Tigers, Dan Jones and Heather Curran, use.

It is all part of a system.

When you think about it, it is such a team game.

We know that in this sport.

But really especially for the Gilbert Tigers, they don't have anybody ranking in a top five in an individual statistical category and yet here they are in the state championship.

>> Yeah, and as you can see the switch is player for player, position for position.

Maybe it is just to give Pyle a rest and bring in Mia countman, maybe offering something different at the back to combat what is going on with Newberg and White.

>> Here is White, able to steal the pass.

What terrific defense at the top by Greder.

This is going to go to Heelan.

>> White is about it in the game, isn't she?

She is absolutely buzzing.

>> You think about Sean Mansfield, the team that won the 2015 championship, he has coached at Heelan for a long time but he wasn't actually coaching Heelan at the time they won 2015.

He took a bit of a sabbatical.

Wanted to be with his family a little bit.

Came back, now into his third year for the program and has been back into the state championship.

>> You must enjoy the Des Moines area because he has a habit of coming down here in the finals.

He always has a big smile on his face.

>> As the spot is picked out.

So does Powers.

Gilbert to Lynch.

Here come the Tigers.

Lynch to the outside.

Oh!

What a stop and a knockout.

That will bring us to a water break.

Wow.

Terrific play by Heelan's Kylie Gengler who, by the way, Kylie Gengler on that play, pretty sensational there for the Heelan Crusaders.

1-0, Heelan leads us at the water break.

And we will be back in a moment as you are watching the class 1a state championship here on Iowa PBS.

>>> 1-0.

What a beautiful day here in Des Moines, great crowd on hand for this 1A state championship with Justin Forrester.

Bj Shaven.

We begin with the Tigers out of the water break.

Justin, we have seen throughout the week where momentum shifted after water breaks.

Why has that been and could we see it here?

>> We might see it here but I don't see much change to the way Bishop Heelan are playing.

Yes, the water break does calm the players down, but the thing is complacency will trickle in.

The next five minute here are very, very important for both teams, in fact.

But I'll just be aware if I was Johnson, be on your toes because they will come at them again for the next five minutes.

They have to be aware of this.

>> Here they go again.

That ball going to be scooted out.

It will be a throw.

>> But, again, we have to look on the other end as well.

I mean wearing Jersey Number 10 for Gilbert, Sydney Lynch, out front with Elle O'Brien.

They've been effective when they get the ball but they're being dealt with by De Los Santos at the back and the counterpart.

>> Quick trigger.

Harswick able to direct that one back out.

Here's the aforementioned Lynch, going to give way to Anna Saltzman who is into the contest.

Powers tripped up for a moment.

Heelan will take over.

Crusaders trying to stretch this one out.

The dump in way ahead of White or Newberg.

So it will be picked off by Braelynn Thomas.

She has been the general on the field this season for the Tigers, headed to black hills to play college soccer.

Heather Currans and Dan Jones said one of the highest IQs on the field as the vocal leader for this squad.

Now she wants her offense to get going.

>> Can she share some of the IQs with me?

>> Yeah, might have to for both of us.

Ps and Qs.

So Heelan, again, going for their school's second state championship, eight starters back from a year ago.

The boys lost to Gilbert in the final seconds the other day of It is kind of a rematch of schools of sorts as we have the boys and girls state championships happening here at Cownie park.

Heelan will go to the bench.

As the crew saters will check in Maddie LaFleur into the contest, the sister of Lauren LaFleur.

What an athletic family at Heelan, their dad is head football coach, also played at Iowa as well.

There's LaFleur mixing it up in the middle.

Love when that happens.

Right on cue.

Newberg going to get free.

Right foot, shot.

Smeared by Thomas.

>> Thomas just getting down to the left-hand side there, smothering the ball.

Great technique as you look at this.

As Newberg steps and opens up her hips, going for the opposite corner.

Didn't get enough power on it but Thomas did well diving to her left.

It is always very, very difficult to save the ball on the ground like that.

>> Back at it again.

LaFleur.

What good countermove.

The Tigers will punch that out.

Heelan will have to throw from the far side.

>> Just when you think Trelyn White is going off you will have a little breather here, but look at this from LaFleur.

She is also showing the same tenacity, coming and driving forward.

Has got some pace about her.

>> And we will have a delayed whistle, but nonetheless a little extra hard play and a free kick here for the Tigers.

So Harswick ready to go.

We mentioned she was a wrestler, she was a part of the state swim team for Ames high as they have a shared program.

You know what she is going to do in college?

Row for Kansas.

>> Seriously?

>> She likes water.

Yeah.

>> It is a little different, isn't it?

>> Yeah.

>> At least if you fall out you can swim.

>> Right.

Handle the tough waters of Lawrence, Kansas.

>> And you have been around Gilbert.

You said you lived there before?

>> Yes, nice town.

It is really kind of like the walkee of central Iowa.

>> Really?

>> Yes, 30 years ago it was a very small town, had a local co-op.

Now it is growing and growing.

They're one of the largee schools for enrollment.

>> I need to go on a Sunday drive one day when I'm off, just out into the country towns and have a look.

>> Beautiful spot.

All of Iowa is.

Here is a deep shot.

And that one will go wide.

You know, I have a connection to Sioux city, too, as well.

Briar cliff graduate.

It all works in.

>> I need to come out to your neck of the woods.

With Sydney Lynch, a great chance just going over LaFleur's cross bar.

She had it covered.

>> Trelyn White back into the game.

As she has created havoc, scoring the game's only goal here so far.

As this will be a throw here for the Tigers.

Oh, a hard bump.

Yes, we will get a whistle there.

>> So it looks like Addison Kuehl has gone off at right midfield for Crusaders and Maddie LaFleur has moved into the right midfield position on the far side.

>> Harswick.

Sends it deep!

That one -- oh.

I think that one had a chance but a Tiger I think accidentally came into it, was trying to needle it a different direction.

>> And a difficult one for the goalkeeper LaFleur to deal with.

>> Yeah.

>> LaFleur was on her line but the ball dipped at the last minute.

Just not enough Jerseys, black Jerseys on it to redirect the ball into the goal.

Now the momentum is starting to change, and you can see that Gilbert Tigers now are starting to get into the game.

>> And now Millie Phillips reaching out and grabbing a yellow card.

This is going to go against Trelyn White.

Let's take another look at this.

>> You just see the right arm of Trelyn White coming up.

Just did to the neck there.

>> She was going to do everything she could to keep Saltzman away from the ball.

So here is Harswick.

Again, another powerful kick, than one headed out the wrong way.

Powers, the freshman, trying to get up underneath of it.

Harswick on the season does are a goal with three assists, and you can see why.

A very strong leg.

What a weapon.

>> She's got the height as well.

I would be interested to see if they will push her up for free kicks that are closer to the penalty area just with the height and that presence in the penalty area.

I mean she towers above everybody else.

>> Heelan trying to jar free LaFleur.

Tracking it down.

There is contact, incidental.

We'll resume play.

>> Ava Johnson and LaFleur going into that challenge.

LaFleur just doing enough to keep the ball in the final third.

She is putting her body about, just really being a menace to the back line.

>> That ball going to be directed back out by Gilbert.

So Heelan has the possession.

We are nearing the 12-minute mark to play here in the opening half.

A Trelyn White goal for Heelan.

The difference about seven minutes into the contest on a breakaway.

Newberg.

Punches it out to LaFleur.

LaFleur, centering pass!

That's going to be high!

And the kick up is going to be over the kick.

Reese Bleeker came charging in, but the Tiger defense there to shoulder her away.

>> Abbie Greder wasn't checking her shoulder at that point as Reese Bleeker came in off the shoulder.

Could have actually side footed that ball in.

As you can see, Greder wasn't looking over her shoulder, and that allowed Reese Bleeker just to sneak in.

>> That kick blocked out.

So it will be a goal kick here coming up for the Tigers.

Thomas looking for a ball.

>> Lauryn Peck just in the midfield, intercepting the ball.

Didn't quite get enough on it.

First touch was too big.

The press there from LaFleur was perfect, forcing the ball down the central areas, which was picked up by the midfield.

>> Tigers flirting with danger here, and laying out to deflect that ball away for bill Gert was Elle O'Brien.

O'Brien with the game-winning goal against Des Moines Christian Jed in double overtime.yes in double overtime.t in double overtime.er in double overtime.d in double overtime.ay in double overtime.

Again, deep inside of the box.

Tigers able to fray it away.

Again, the Tigers will again punch it out.

It is Heelan though really starting to gain the momentum of this one.

>> Yeah, they're doing enough.

They've got enough white Jerseys in the central areas.

Every time that ball is being cleared, it is just falling to a white Jersey in the central area.

Possibly one of the forwards needs to drop in, drop in Sydney Lynch, just in front of the holding midfielder for Crusaders.

Brooklyn Stanley, because it is Brooklyn Stanley and Lauryn Peck are picking up the pieces as they're cleared.

>> Ten minutes to play in the opening half.

Let's see what the Tigers can do here.

>> And this is where you see with nine minutes left, just under ten minutes left of the game, this is where you see the fatigue building into the players as they're building into halftime.

This is where mistakes happen.

Katie O'Brien back on the right-hand side here for Gilbert.

>> Heelan able to deflect the ball away.

It looks like Gilbert trying to go long here.

Tigers, as we mentioned, they have two head coaches, Dan Jones and Heather Currans.

But interesting on their staff is Kelly Herbers, an assistant coach.

He actually played at Ames high in a big upset over West Des Moines valley that season, and adding a lot of influence about this is our ever first state championship game, how do you play in it, what do you do.

>> They're proud to be here, excited to be here.

You could tell when the players walked in, the coaching staff, the whole town itself, or should I say city?

>> Yeah.

In fact, there's an old theory nobody locks their doors in Gilbert.

>> Is that true?

>> It could be.

It could be.

Of course, the Scandinavian days are going on in story city, so a lot of the traffic -- you know, us riffraff up there may have stayed up there, stay a little north.

1-0 our score here as Heelan has taken control of this one.

They have a one goal to none lead and Trelyn White sitting and resting on the bench right now.

She picked up a yellow card a moment ago, has the game's only goal.

Was very aggressive in getting it done.

A free kick coming up for the Crusaders and Lauryn Peck.

A lot of multi-sport athletes on this field today for Heelan, a lot that played on the state tournament basketball team including peck and Newberg.

>> A few familiar names with you covering the basketball, bj?

>> Yeah.

>> And you find this with the communities around the area where it is multi-sport athletes.

>> Opportunity here for the Tigers!

Can they get it done?

Lynch with the shot!

LaFleur knocks it away.

>> LaFleur with the rescue.

I feel Lynch could have done better, keeping the ball on the ground, coming across her body but credit to LaFleur.

What a great save, diving to her right-hand side.

>> And slow to get up.

The Tigers watch Lynch -- >> What a save.

>> Oh.

>> Now, that's goalkeeper high, but credit to LaFleur.

It was a fantastic save, both hands to the ball.

>> And no opportunity for a rebound.

>> Correct.

Palmed away from the danger zone.

>> This a little bit easier for LaFleur with the shot coming in from the outside.

Gilbert with the opportunity.

Now things are starting to pick up for the Tigers.

>> Huge confidence moment there for LaFleur.

>> And it was the break right here.

Lynch trying to get free.

Was trying to stretch it off into a corner, foot race for the ball.

That will go out and we will have a corner kick here coming up for the Tigers.

>> Lynch and O'Brien with a combination there, forcing the corner, but it takes a moment with a shot.

You see Harswick is running over there to take the corner.

Surely there's someone else on the team that could take it.

I would put her right in front of the goalkeeper because anything could happen.

She's the type of player wounds up winning the ball.

She has the presence.

>> With her left foot from that far corner, trying to bend it back in.

LaFleur going to reach up for it and it is kicked away at the last second by Heelan.

Newberg trying to head it out.

>> Lauryn Peck with the critical clearance.

>> So the crusaders try to launch it down field.

Here is Newberg.

And Harswick will punch it out.

>> Harswick took the corner and look where she is now, clearing the ball out for a throw-in.

>> Let's see what Heelan elects to do for offense here on the throw.

>> Peck is going to step up for the throw in.

Clearing the ball out of the penalty area as well, and a critical moment there for Heelan.

>> Strong throw.

Trying to find Newberg in the middle.

Gilbert able to punch it out.

Can Lynch track it down?

She will beat it ahead and Heelan right there to turn it right back.

>> Again, just clearing the lines there.

>> Under five to play in the first half.

We have a whistle.

Free kick here for the Tigers.

Gilbert wearing black with white numbers.

Heelan in their white uniforms with navy blue.

The crusaders come in in the power index as the top overall team in 1A but they were seeded seventh, which really surprised their head coach Sean Mansfield and probably the rest of the field.

You have to play everybody anyway.

Heelan into the state championship with a chip on their shoulder and a one goal to none lead.

>> Definitely don't, number seven seed.

But he did talk about the schedule playing against West Des Moines valley which they lost 4-0.

He said credit to the team, it helped them along the way, along the journey.

It made them better with their development.

>> Again, the centering pass.

Going to be kneed up.

Heelan trying to hold it inside of that zone.

It will stay with the crusaders.

Sean Mansfield said they have to believe they can win this and we haven't seen anything that would say otherwise, that they haven't been confident in this first half.

>> And confidence is the word.

We saw that right off the start after seven minutes, Trelyn White scoring a fantastic goal.

Gilbert have now settled into the match.

It is interesting on the buildups here.

Again, straight down the throat.

>> Opportunity here.

Can they beat the defender?

Newberg with the shot that Thomas will snare!

>> There has to be a variation, yeah, with Thomas.

Thomas has to look in the wide areas because the ball is picked up by Stanley and peck in the midfield.

>> Heelan using the most of their opportunities today.

They get some direct shots on net.

Gilbert with really just one so far that LaFleur made a beautiful play on a few moments ago.

We still hold at 1-0.

>> A big save it was, the first save of the game.

>> Harswick out ahead.

Powers, the freshman.

Some control but left it to Heelan.

Crusaders with the opportunity.

Stanley has her pass intercepted.

We're playing a lot here in the midfield.

Nearing 90 seconds to play in the opening half.

>> I see Katie O'Brien has moved into the holding midfield position as Norah Kalvik has gone off.

>> Lynch working with it.

Trying to swim it to the outside and LaFleur will grab it.off.

>> Lynch working with it.

Trying to swim it to the outside and LaFleur will grab it.

>> Katie O'Brien is a good position to move into the midfield position.

She has presence, she is strong.

She is quick.

She has endurance to get up and down the field, but she needs to be very, very disciplined within the role.

Out of the picture you see her coming in on the half turn, looking over his shoulder.

So there's good awareness.

>> Coming up at the half here we will tell you about some young Iowans here on Iowa PBS in a document we feature during a lot of these girl state championships "in their own words."

Stay tuned for that here coming up.

Closing seconds here of the opening half.

Heelan up 1-0, a goal scored about seven minutes into the first half by Trelyn White, the difference on a breakaway.

The Crusaders trying to win their school's second-ever state championship.

Gilbert appearing in their first-ever state championship for girls' soccer.

They have work to do in the second half to bring home the title.

What a first half.

Heelan and Gilbert as you are watching the 1A state soccer championship here on Iowa PBS.

>>> 1-0 lead for Bishop Heelan in the 1A state championship here on Iowa PBS, where we are committed to telling stories about young Iowans doing exceptional things through a digital series called "in their words."

Let's meet outstanding teen and child advocate, Isabella Arc who was abandoned as a baby in China.

Through the love of her adoptive parent she has thrived in PGA ENLTs and become a champion for foster care and refugee children through the program she created called "backpacks of comfort."

>> Hi.

My name is Isabella.

I'm a child advocate and Ms. Blackhawk valley's outstanding teen.

I believe my purpose is to go out and share my traumatic story, no matter if I'm having a hard day or it is an easy day to go out.

This is something that I need to do because I can help so many more.

Being in foster care is really hard.

70 children a week go into the Iowa foster care system, and that is such an outrageous number.

I hope to grow my program where I'm able to donate 70 backpacks a week.

Every child deserves to have the comfort while they're going through this crazy time.

This is my social impact initiative for miss Iowa.

>> Miss Blackhawk valley outstanding team is contestant number two.

>> I won miss Blackhawk valley's outstanding teen.

It creates a sisterhood that is really real.

I learned how to find confidence in myself and be okay with who I am and my story.

>> Congratulations, ladies.

>> Isabella!

>> I started competing in scholarship competitions when I was around 5 and we originally started these because I was a Velcro kid and I would not go to throw a piece of trash away that was five feet away from my parents.

These competitions helped me to grow and learn lifelong skills.

I started my program when I was turning 10.

My very first year I was able to donate 39 backpacks through my partner four oaks family connections.

These backpacks have blankets, coloring books, Crayons, a journal, pens, the necessary toiletries like a toothbrush, toothpaste and a hairbrush.

When I first was brought home I was scared of the dark.

I was scared to be by myself at all times.

So having that flashlight, you are able to see you are in a safe location and it is not just pitch black.

All of these items are something that you would take to go to grandma's house for the weekend.

Since I got the backpack of comfort items as a child, I know that these backpacks really work.

Being able to go to a complete stranger's home with this backpack, you feel like you have something that is yours and you are not just walking in empty handed.

>> Yay.

♪ ♪ >> abandoned at around 10 months old in China in an electrical company, and then I was brought to an orphanage on the outskirts of xian city.

I was able to get open heart surgery and lucky to test out of hep c. About a year later I was adopted by an amazing couple and they helped me so much.

On my adoption day they brought a backpack full of comfort items.

In there, there was a toy key chain that played a sound on one of the buttons.

It made the sound of a Rick Shaw and it was such a comforting noise.

I still have it sitting next to my bed to this day.

>> Ah.

>> When I'm able to talk about my story, I am able to share that no matter how traumatic your situation is, it doesn't matter as long as you come out of it stronger and you are able to turn your trauma into something amazing.

This is something I have been doing since I was 10 and I have been advocating for children since I was 5.

I will continue to do this no matter what happens in the future.

I want to be a family lawyer because I understand the trauma that these kids are going through.

Be kind to everyone because you don't know what battles someone right next to you is fighting.

>>> in 2004 rod Stewart performed in London ♪ You're in my heart ♪ ♪ You're any soul ♪ >> Joined by Ronnie wood in an epic night.

♪♪ >> Rod Stewart, live at royal Albert hall.

>> Coming to Iowa PBS June 23rd.

>>> 1-0, bishop Heelan leads Gilbert in the 1A state championship here in Cownie Park on PBS.

Justin, an exciting first half and we are so close to having a really tight game here.

>> Yes, we are.

The question is how do you deal with White and Newberg?

The problem is they allowed too much space to come in between the lines in the how many turn.

They're allowed to turn.

Johnson and Harswick need to be a little tighter.

If they move in between the lines they have to pass them on to the midfield.

The communication has to go first.

>> Let's look at the first half highlights here.

Really I mean it was back and forth to begin with.

Newberg with the opportunity.

Here Thomas had to be on her toes today.

LaFleur, just as good.

Newberg's shot there again hauled in by Thomas.

Look, this is our game's only goal of the game and it was by Trelyn White.

She was able to put that into the net, got a yellow card, went out of the game and back in.

So here we go, the second half about ready to begin.

Would you believe we've had nine straight -- the last nine champions here in the 1A title game shut out their opponent?

It has been 12 years since a team has been able to come back from a goal deficit.

Let's see what happens here in the second half.

The table stakes are there.

It is the 1A championship that is on the line.

Heelan wearing white as the lead and possession of the ball as White is back out on the field.

>> Will it be changed today?

>> We'll see.

Let's sit back, watch and enjoy here on Iowa PBS.

Again, the whistle's early on.

Millie Phillips, the referee, she has had a busy day so far.

Has issued a yellow card, numerous penalties so far.

As Gilbert will put it in play with Harswick -- >> Kalvik is back in the midfield.

I would like to see her pair up with Katie O'Brien.

That would help.

>> Jochum has been strong defensively today, turning it back over to her teammates.

Here comes the run out.

Thomas says, "I've got it."

She will scoop and kick.

So, again, the back line doing their job for Heelan for the most part today.

Gilbert limited chances.

Here is a shot that goes high and wide to the right.

>> Just over the cross bar.

Thomas had it covered though.

As we look at this again, grace strike here by Newberg.

Just getting underneath the ball but I believe Thomas had that covered.

Looking at the midfield here, it is one-v-one.

I would get the extra player across to add in the overload.

>> Oh, will we see a whistle?

No.

>> Watch, got to be careful on the yellow card.

>> Yeah.

Play resumes on.

And very slow to get up was Katie O'Brien.

I think we will have official's time here.

>> It looked like as she fell she might have got winded.

Just in how she fell.

>> I beg your pardon.

That's Ellie Pyle.

Coming in to the match is going to be Mia CoUtman and slow to walk off is Ellie Pyle.

A few minutes into the second half Heelan has come out being the aggressor.

Last time they appeared in a 1A state championship game was in 2018 and they fell to Davenport Assumption, 8-0.

In that game it was Ripslinger and company that dominated.

>> I happened to see Ripslinger and company yesterday coaching for Assumption.

.

>> As we go to the outside, Heelan with the opportunity to counter.

Able to punch it out.

Lynch having her hands full, able to clear that pass.

Again, Heelan appearing to be a little more pressured here in the second half.

>> They're putting the tackles in.

You've got Maddie Addison there.

You look at De Los Santos as well.

Size means nothing even for a center back, but she gets herself about.

She gets her toe in.

She is winning the tackles.

Gilbert needs to get a rhythm again.

Maybe get the ball into wide areas.

We mentioned this before in the first half, testing the left and the right back, the danger is through the middle.

That's where players like Brooklyn Stanley and Peck are just picking up the pieces and winning the tackles.

>> Opportunity here.

Lynch to Powers.

That ball just strung along that far sideline, and Harswick will track it down.

As White approaches they try to swing it wide.

Their passing game, we saw it early on for Gilbert to spread the field.

Trying to motor the ball ahead.

And that will belong to Heelan.

>> I do like the fact they switched the point of attack, but at times for example there Mia CoUtman taking too much time on the ball, especially with someone like White lingering.

I could see she was trying to get it on to her stronger foot.

>> Heelan with losses this year to Underwood, north Scott and wester ling valley.

Gilbert, a lot of victories this season coming into this championship match at 14 and 15.

Their losses to Des Moines Christian, north Pohl and DCG who we will see later on this afternoon.

Opportunity and then the Tigers booted out.

A corner kick here coming up as that ball had some tail on it.

The chance for the Crusaders here.

So the corner.

Fourth of the game here for Heelan, the headed.

It will be knocked back and it will stay -- >> Another corner?

>> Yeah, another corner here coming up.

>> The corner there was dangerous but there were enough Jerseys to clear it away and she gets another chance.

She just manages to direct the ball in front of the goalkeeper.

She needs a teammate on to that.

This one headed with an opportunity.

Boy, that one just went wide right.

>> Newberg just redirecting the ball across the goal again, as you see.

A great ball in here from Kuehl.

As you look here, Newberg coming in, doing the right thing, getting the ball across goal but just a little too much.

She got enough power on the header as well.

>> Gilbert trying to muster up a chance here.

You know, I think the passes aren't matching up to the leg speed right now here for Gilbert.

Again, playing a double overtime game yesterday.

They seem a tad slower here in the second half.

Let's see if they can change that around.

Newberg.

This will go to Gilbert.

>> Kautman has been in the wars there, again with Newberg.

Nothing malicious or intent in that challenge.

>> White.

Around the side, boy, terrific dribble.

Might have gotten away with a shot.

Now will send it deep.

Thomas will play this one in midair.

>> What a competitor.

Nothing wrong with that, shoulder-to-shoulder, just winning the ball, showing sheer strength.

You can see she is competing for the ball.

Again, just too much time on the ball on the far side there with abby Greder.

The problem is nobody is showing.

She needs somebody to show her feet.

Katie O'Brien needs to come and show her feet, Elle O'Breen, Sydney Lynch, they need to make themselves available.

>> Lynch has it taken away.

So eight minutes in here to the second half.

One of the keys for Heelan keeping possession of the ball, they've really turned that direction around here in the late half.

This is where they start to become more and more dangerous.

Their power starts to show.

That bobbled in deep.

Left into open space for Stanley.

Played to Newberg.

Newberg with a shot with the right foot!

And it will go wide right.

>> Just hit that flat.

Just needed a little more bend on it, leaning back, get the plant foot right closer to the ball.

It is difficult to strike a ball that's rolling away from you.

You have got to get your foot just slightly ahead of it so the ball rolls in and your foot just goes through.

It is easy to say, difficult to perform sometimes.

Just going back earlier, a great recovery tackle from Ava Johnson on White in the penalty area.

>> Now some extra play and a free kick here for Heelan after the penalty call.

Foul called against Gilbert.

>> Looks like Lauryn Peck on the ball.

>> Peck with 14 assists this season.

With her right foot towards the net, and that will go clean out.

So a goal kick here coming up for the Tigers.

>> A well-driven ball there by Peck.

A lot better.

Just going across the penalty area, and no white Jerseys on the end of it.

>> Have to be clean with the play.

Dig as this is a fight to the finish.

Last year with a split foreman, each team had an extra day.

White is going to be called with the foul as Trelyn continues to be aggressive here.

>> Trelyn was just reaching for it.

She has to be careful here, on a yellow card.

Got to keep her discipline.

I wonder if this is when coach Sean is going to make a decision maybe to take her out at 1-0 you have.

She has to be careful.

She is a competitor, but it is going to take one tackle.

>> Let's see if we might see that here right now as Heelan goes to their bench.

In high school soccer you might remember you can freely substitute.

No, he's going to look to remove Addison Kuehl who will come out of the match.

As there's a look at Trelyn White.

>> Maddie LaFleur has come in and replaced Kuehl.

Position for position.

>> LaFleur gave them quite the spark as Frazee with the toss.

Oh, that one is stolen away, but, again, an open space for the kick.

Heelan unable to capitalize.

>> Just fell at Peck there.

She rushed it.

She could have maybe just brought it down.

Restarted the possession.

.

>> Thomas off the ground.

Heelan able to intercept.

White trying to find space.

Gilbert able to clear it with Kalvik.

Here's White.

Again, the one is going to be sailing wide left.

Thomas with the play, setting up the movement here for the Tigers.

>> Good idea there from Trelyn White.

Newberg didn't make the run.

You could see the frustration after White played the ball, but I have noticed a little bit of off-the-ball situations with White.

>> Here is Newberg.

Drew the double-team.

Kuehl is going to have that one bounced out.

Newberg with the attempt.

>> It is going to be a corner.

>> Yeah, corner.

That one rolled out, last touched by Gilbert.

So the fifth kick of the day for Heelan.

Newberg is going to take this one with Kuehl out of the game.

With the deep shot, that went too far.

Heelan able to track it down.

The centering pass.

This goes all the way back to midfield.

Heelan recalibrates.

As Gilbert will get back the ball.

So 1-0.

We haven't seen very much movement here out of the Tigers.

>> Yeah, it is fatigue.

You can see the fatigue building into not just the Tigers but also the crusaders.

This is where the game is going to change.

You can see it open up.

Especially when we get to 15 minutes left in the match.

You will see that little spark, but then the ball all of a sudden is going forward, getting the ball in the final third and there's a burst of energy.

Sometimes it is a little late.

You need to go through the energy moments, five-minute sparks.

You can't do it the whole game.

>> Opportunity here for the Tigers as they try to streak it ahead.

Again, defensively for Heelan Maddie Gengler on the spot.

Gilbert will have a deep throw.

Let's see if they can set up offense.

>> Coming across at the right moment.

Timing the run as Katie O'Brien was on to the ball.

>> Reporter: A corner here now for the Tigers, their second of the match.

>> Harswick is trotting forward to take it.

I do like how Gilbert have two players on the outside of the penalty area just to pick up the pieces.

>> One more towards the mid.

The header is going to be knocked out and another corner here coming up for the Tigers.

Down a goal, opportunity knocking.

25 minutes to play.

>> Brooklyn Stanley just heading the ball over her own cross bar.

>> Harswick, this one more of a centering pass.

The header going to be kicked away at the last second.

Terrific play in the middle for Nyla Jochum.

>> Nyla Jochum, right place, right time.

>> Here comes White.

Down the field, back to the middle with an opportunity.

Right foot tracking on Thomas.

>> Oh, my word!

>> In the corner.

The second goal of the game for the Crusaders belonged to Trelyn White.

>> We SFO about the counterattack and there it was.

Ball played into Trelyn White, off the corner as we see this again.

Trelyn White picking you will the ball up as it is clear.

Two players around.

No problem at all.

Right foot through the ball, just over LaFleur.

As you see this again, great technique.

A lot of power in it.

A lot of people will say LaFleur could have saved that.

I don't think so.

It was a great strike.

Lots of power.

Instinctive.

LaFleur was set and ready.

>> White will now check out of the game.

Kuehl will come back in.

Gilbert is down, 2-0.

Trelyn White, the sophomore, with her 31st goal of the season.

The Tigers with a bigger mountain to climb here.

>> We spoke about the counterattack.

>> Started off of the head of Jochum and really just turned the tide.

Newberg with the lead pass out ahead to White who finished it.

So 2-0, Crusaders.

Still looking to bounce.

Fresh legs up the middle.

Opportunity, as we'll have a late whistle as Harswick is going to be called for the foul as Heelan was trying to track it.

>> As we see here with Newberg trying to break through, getting the ball on to her right foot, Harswick just coming through with a tackle.

Dangerous situation.

On the edge of the penalty area.

>> So let's see who will take it.

I believe it will be Newberg.

As the three decipher between Peck and Kuehl and LaFleur, Newberg will play it right in to Peck.

And the quick shot goes high and hard.

>> You can see that's off the training field.

It is a great idea.

>> They're up two goals to one.

Why not, right?

>> Why not give it a try.

Maddie LaFleur has moved up to join Newberg up front, and Addison Kuehl is back into the game on the right-hand side for Heelan.

>> Here is LaFleur.

>> The problem here is both forwards on the far right-hand side and no one has really made a run into the penalty area.

See here?

You had Maddie LaFleur and you had Newberg in the wide area on the right but nobody making the run into the penalty area.

>> Space, that ball won by Heelan as Maddie Gengler, again, has had a huge second half here so far for the Crusaders defensively.

Nearing the water break.

As Newberg will try to bounce that ahead to LaFleur.

Can't -- well, did catch up to it.

>> Yes, she did.

>> Right before the line.

A little bit more extra grit and determination out of LaFleur to track that ball down.

>> And those are the differences.

You talk about the little details in games, those are the differences, just the determination of individual players that change matches.

But that's the difference.

>> It will be a goal kick here -- excuse me, a corner kick coming up for the Crusaders, again, with 21 minute to play here in the contest.

Up 2-0.

As the heat starts to settle in on Cownie Park here this afternoon in Des Moines.

That one a little bit more outfront.

>> Kuehl didn't wrap her foot around it, her right foot.

I think shifts looking more of an in swinger.

>> Now we will have that water break.

So 2-0, Bishop Heelan.

Trelyn White leading the way today with two goals, both on breakaways as Heelan leads the 1A championship as you are watching it here on Iowa PBS.

>>> 2-0, Bishop Heelan with the lead on Gilbert as we are about ready to play the final 20 minutes here in the 1A Championship.

Yeah, enjoying the sunshine today.

It wasn't that long ago that we were begging for a day like this and now we have it.

Just beautiful afternoon.

Gilbert with a lot of work to do against a team that doesn't yield very much.

In fact, just one goal they have given up since April the 22nd, and that was yesterday in the semifinals in which Heelan defeated Assumption, 4-1.

They have been steamrolling competition, Heelan has this season.

Average winning Marge of four goals, and trying to bring home their school's second-ever state championship.

As they've been since 2015 when they won it.

Here come the Tigers, fight for the ball.

Heelan winning the 50/50 balls here at the moment.

Newberg trying to jet ahead.

Harswick trying to fend her off.

>> Harswick has done really well gone to Lauryn Peck and, again, it has been won in the midfield by the white Jerseys of Heelan.

Peck, Stanley, combining well in the midfield, keeping the ball in the middle third.

Looking to move into the final third of the field.

>> We've got more state championship soccer coming your way at 3:00.

It will be the 2a title game as waverly show rock has a rematch with Dallas center grimes who defeated the go hawks a career ago.

That will be at 3:00.

Then the night cap in the 3A title game, you have Johnston against West Des Moines valley.

It is all coming up here on Iowa PBS today.

So a free kick here coming up after the penalty.

This one sent towards the net.

Thomas will haul it in.

Boy, Peck gave it a ride.

>> Peck certainly overhit that one but, again, it was easy for Thomas.

You know, there's options where she can build out of the back.

Player sure to pass over five to eight yards and still keep the ball.

>> That ball left in space.

Here comes Newberg to the outside.

Looking to get in on the action.

Newberg with a right, to her left foot.

Tries to center that one, and it is going to be frayed away.

Peck has it.

>> Mia Kautman with the clearance.

Clearing the lines.

>> Now Gilbert trying to get the ball back, but it will be a throw here for Heelan.

Time winding down for the Tigers.

After knocking off the top-seed Des Moines Christian a day ago, and how about Heelan and their mark here?

Had to beat the two-seed Neveah and then beat in the semifinals and they did it in convincing fashion, winning 4-1.

Jochum at the ball.

Again, Heelan's spacing terrific here down the stretch.

Now a foot race to the ball.

Gilbert is going to try to catch up with it.

This is going to be deflected out, and Gilbert will have a throw here deep.

Boy, slow to get up for the Tigers is Elle O'Brien.

>> Maddie Gengler came across at speed, just clearing the ball out, getting a deflection off of O'Brien.

>> Now O'Brien send it in deep, the header.

Just mistimed.

Still in deep.

Gilbert with a shot.

That will go too high and hard.

Very slow to get up is Elle O'Brien.

>> Elle O'Brien serving the call into Katie O'Brien in the penalty area.

We do have an injury.

>> I don't know if it is an injury as much as it is exhaustion.

>> I think it is a bit of both.

Definitely see these girls have put everything on the line here today.

Anna saltsman is coming in to replace Elle O'Brien.

>> The sophomore in for the junior.

A goal kick here for Heelan.

Should mention that in high school play the clock does stop with an injury or a time-out on the field.

There's no extra play at the end of this.

You are free to substitute as much as you would like.

>> Has the ball, now near side.

This is where you need to have all of the Gilbert players shifted across to creating overloads on our near side of the field.

>> Trelyn White also back into the game for the Crusaders.

Has the game's two goals.

Gilbert though thinking of one right now.

Tigers with O'Brien.

On that far side gets her pocket pick, by Jochum.

It is going to stay though with Gilbert.

>> And there's still time in this game.

Coming up to 16 minutes left.

There's still a chance for Gilbert to get back in and score one goal, and then the momentum will swing.

They've just got to get numbers forward.

>> And you have to move with the ball.

>> You've got to move with the speed of the ball as well.

Look at White coming in there and just Nicking the ball.

>> Oh, terrific pace.

Trelyn looking for another opportunity, trying to split the defenders.

Can't hit the cut back.

That one is going to be punched away.

White though will track it down.

The sophomore along the in line will send it, centering pass.

It is going to be played up.

Caromed away.

Thomas will look for it and find it.

>> I think the horizontal distance that White just ran there from one end of the field to the other, just under 80 yards.

Get the cross in, but luckily for Gilbert it was cleared away and managed to get the ball up and towards the halfway line for a throw-in.

I think this is the moment where you just have to take the chance, get the extra players Maybe go a little more direct.

Just really get that ball on to De Los Santos and Maddie Gengler, the two center backs for Heelan.

>> Down a couple of goals are the Tigers in black.

Heelan still being the aggressor.

That will stay with the Crusaders.

It looks like we are going to see a substitution here for Sioux city Bishop Heelan.

>> Looks like Maddie LaFleur is going off, replaced by Jada Newberg.

>> So Newberg getting a bit of a rest.

Actually has logged a loft minutes here at the state tournament.

Sean Mansfield getting the appropriate substitution, give players a timely rest.

Thomas had to find the burner.

>> Newberg has had a bit of a break here for about ten minutes and back in probably to see the game out.

>> A terrific play up the middle for Peck.

>> I spoke about possession in the midfield, the first ball, second ball.

Again, this is where Gilbert need to bringing Vert players in, invert the wide players because the ball is not really going wide.

>> Yeah.

>> Invert them essentially, win the ball essentially and go a little more direct.

>> Free kick here for the Tigers.

Let's see what they can do with it.

Down a couple of goals.

Needing a chance here.

Not getting it.

Here is white and Newberg.

Going to send it ahead to Newberg.

See if she can track it down on to the left side.

Newberg, charging in.

The shot, just wide right.

>> That was a save from Thomas.

What a ball in the midfield.

White was allowed to turn.

Pass up, split the defenders, Newberg on to it.

You look at the same thing.

Opens up her hips.

But I still you what, what a save from Braelynn Thomas.

Good enough.

>> Corner kick here coming up for Heelan.

Kuehl with the shot.

The header.

Just wide right.

You have a feeling though Lauryn Peck has had chances off the corners.

>> Another great ball played in by Kuehl.

not on frame.

Look at the power behind that.

The second one that's gone across the goal.

All she really needs to do is redirect that into the far corner.

This could be a -- >> See if we could see a yellow?

>> I see a card coming out.

That's a red card.

>> That's Trelyn White.

>> She is already on a yellow card and she is gone -- we spoke about this.

>> And a red card.

>> And we spoke about this earlier, just managing players.

Because she has that about her, you know she is going to go in for tackles.

She is a good player, very committed.

>> Okay.

With 12:09 to go.

Let's see how this might change the trajectory of the game.

You can see the emotion spilling out on Trelyn White, the sophomore.

Not wanting to come off the field in the 1A Championship game.

>> So as we look at this again, there's the challenge.

You see again that's a yellow card offense as well.

It is just jockey the player out wide.

It just comes with experience at the end of the day.

Now Gilbert need to push players forward.

Take advantage of this.

>> LaFleur will come up and grab.

>> They don't need to play with four at the back.

Leave two back there and push everyone on.

Load up the midfield.

Go five across the front, two up front, two in the wide areas.

You've got them.

You have to take the chance.

>> See if it might spark to energy here for the Tigers.

That ball out.

It stays with Gilbert.

>> Get Cody O'Brien alongside Kalvik.

Player box midfield, three at the back because they're going to play one up front.

Even two at the back at times.

>> Powers to the outside.

You can hear the Gilbert crowd chanting, "everybody up."

>> And they have a good point.

>> Tigers trying to stretch it out.

Harswick.

Everybody on side.

>> That's a good ball in.

>> Now an opportunity here!

Lynch!

On side.

Trying to center the pass.

Nobody home.

Gilbert trying to hold it back in.

>> And should have gone on her own there.

>> The ball to the outside, and it will roll.

It will be a throw here for the Tigers.

Ten-minute mark to play.

>> I don't understand this yet.

Get the players forward.

>> Three in the back here so far for Gilbert.

You can't see.

Now open net!

>> Referee has blown.

>> And a whistle does come in with the contact on the goalie.

Sarah Thatcher had collided with Lauren LaFleur.

>> Again, as we see this, Sarah Thatcher coming in.

There's the challenge.

Yeah, just knocking her arms out of the way.

But you see my point and how frustrating it is for me to see that.

It is take the chance, 2-0.

You get one goal back in this, you're back in.

They're only playing with Newberg up front.

>> Heelan anticipating Gilbert will play more up.

>> Well, Heelan will be quite happy with the way they're playing.

You still have four at the back holding midfielder.

Get someone else in this space in the central area.

Look at all of the white jerseys, they need more dark jerseys in there.

>> That will be a corner kick coming up.

Clock continues to tick down as we're near the nine-minute mark.

Harswick to the corner to do the kicking.

Gilbert moving a few more up closer to the box.

>> So you see what I'm -- so the player on the far side, up high.

A good challenge.

>> Ball misdirected.

Nobody home on the far right wing.

Harswick trying to find Lynch.

And it will be cleared away by Lauryn Peck.

Gilbert will have to reboot.

>> As they're reshaping here, just get players into wide areas now.

See if they can pull the left to right back apart.

>> Foot race to the ball.

No shot on net.

It went wide.

Now it comes all the way back out to Kautman.

This to the outside.

Gilbert looking for a chance.

Saltzman, centering pass.

Knocked away.

>> They need more numbers in the books.

>> Saltzman battling for the ball.

Still belongs to Heelan.

Terrific movement by Frazee.

>> Frazee, great challenge there.

Critical at that moment.

Gilbert need to get numbers into the box.

Just not enough in there.

There's more white jerseys in there.

>> Frazee again will clear it.

Down deep.

Tigers will have to track it down with Johnson, who will give way to Thomas, who will set direction.

That will be out and Heelan will have the throw here.

7:35 to play.

>> Much to the relief of Heelan.

A breather with the throw-in.

After soaking up some pressure there, Marin Frazee coming up with the critical challenge in the penalty area and clearing the lines.

>> Newberg.

Shot deep that hit the top of the post and rolls out!

Boy, that one had a little bend on it with the right-footed kicker and nearly snuck in.

Let's take a look.

>> Newberg just getting the ball on her right foot.

Look at that ball sailing over Thomas on to the cross bar.

Thomas didn't really know where it was going.

Goes out for a goal kick.

Luckily for the Tigers -- >> Elle O'Brien back in the game for Anna Saltzman.

Gilbert trying to find some juice to make this a one-goal game.

Time winding down in the 1A Championship.

>> I like the way Elle O'Brien is stretching the line.

The defenders are dropping, creating space here.

>> Thatcher, the lead pass.

Denied by Heelan.

Thatcher will keep it alive though for the Tigers for the moment.

>> Thatcher ruling with an iron fist.

>> Now we have substitutions coming in.

Gilbert trying to find some fresh legs down the stretch here.

As they will bring in abby Patel, who had a -- the game-winning assist, if you will, yesterday against Des Moines Christian, into the line-up.

Trying to provide that spark.

LaFleur back in for Heelan.

On the outside, Lynch, centering pass.

Nobody home!

O'Brien, denied.

This shot high and wide as Madison Powers put a turn into it.

>> Sydney Lynch, on the side of his right foot.

Unfortunately for Elle O'Brien didn't work for her.

Look at the strike there, just going over the bar from Powers.

>> Gilbert will get another run at it here.

Five to play.

>> Gilbert looking for a quick throw.

The only player in the penalty area right now is Lynch.

They need another player in there.

Looking on the far side, Katie O'Brien is now coming across.

She needs to get higher.

>> Here's Harswick.

Give and go with Johnson.

To the outside, Kalvik.

Tigers trying to stretch the field but nobody home.

4:30 to play now.

>> Time is ticking away.

Chances have been eluding Gilbert Tigers.

All they have to do is hit frame.

>> Gilbert with one deep threat in the last minute, but no really serious shot on net.

As, again, Heelan doing what they have to do to salt this clock away.

>> Not quite the ball they wanted into the box.

>> Patel went for it.

This shot high over the net.

>> Again, technique, but it is tiredness, fatigue.

Players are tired out there.

Technical errors are going to get formed.

Gilbert need to shift across this way.

We know where the ball is going.

A little combination there.

>> Yeah, one-two firecracker.

>> Powers didn't know that was coming.

>> Harswick trying to find O'Brien.

Newberg.

>> Newberg just doing enough there.

>> Yeah, and now breaks it free.

Newberg been in this position before, trying to put it on her shoulders on the offensive half.

All Gilbert can do is deny her.

Three minutes to play.

>> Nora Kalvik coming across, playing the ball up over the up line for a throw.

That's the thing, Jada Newberg causing issues here and then gets the ball into the final hired of the field in the opposite side of the field just where they want it.

This would be the moment to take the ball in the corner and just kill time.

>> That's exactly what they do.

Goal kick here coming up for the Tigers.

2:30 to play.

Heelan this close to bringing home another state championship.

What a ride it has been for Heelan this year.

We mentioned two losses to begin this season.

They would go on to win, if they can hold on here, 18 of their last 19 games they've played.

They have done a terrific job.

Trelyn White out of the game, red carded, but provided the game's only two goals in her aggressive play.

Showed up all day offensively for the Crusaders.

Now 1:40 to go.

Heelan having to do it the hard way, too, coming into this tournament seeded seventh.

Battling their way.

O'Brien, does she have enough left in the tank?

Let's see.

O'Brien draws the double-team.

A clean tackle.

>> De Los Santos with a critical tackle there.

De Los Santos just glides across, gets the block in.

>> Does her job.

And inside of a minute to play, Heelan sensing victory over on that far sideline.

Trying to take that trophy back here this afternoon up by 35 across highway 20 and back to northwest Iowa.

Gilbert making their first-ever state championship appearance.

What a run here in the state tournament.

>> Their legs are tired here now as Maddie LaFleur does enough.

This should take them into the end.

>> And that is going to pretty much wrap it up.

Heelan going to win the Class 1A state soccer championship, as you hear the countdown is on.

>> Five, four, three, two, one.

>> And the Crusaders are your Class 1A state champion!

Heelan.

Heelan, they really had to earn this one.

>> Yes, they did, especially after White was sent off.

But in the end the Crusaders cruised to the state final.

Here I am saying national championship.

I'm too used to watching all of the basketball that's been on.

But, yeah, deservedly so I would say in the end.

Although Gilbert Tigers dominated parts of possession throughout the game, just weren't effective enough in the final third.

Jada and White did enough to kill the game, and obviously White with the two goals, absolutely fantastic.

>> So Trelyn White, the two goals in this match, the difference as Bishop Heelan, your Class 1A state champion.

As we await the trophy presentation and the all-tournament team that will be announced here momentarily as Heelan continues with the celebration out on the field.

Kind of unexpected this year, winning the 1A state title.

>> Yeah, I mean you look at them, you look at the record, especially after the semi final match against Assumption, winning 4-1.

Coming into this match they're not a seven seed.

>> The two teams going through in the postgame handshake.

Perfect job done by both of them.

We have more state championships coming your way.

At 3:00 we have the 2a title match as it will be waverly show rock and Dallas center Grimes.

Once again, the two played a year ago with DCG winning that one.

Waverly show rock with revenge on their game.

The 3a title team here this evening.

L's turn it over to Rex baker.

>> Presenting the awards members of the Iowa high school girl's athletic union staff.

You are all-tourney team presentation selected by the Iowa high school soccer coaches association.

From Bishop Heelan, Lauren LaFleur.

Once again, from Bishop Heelan, Lauren LaFleur.

From Bishop Heelan, Jada Newberg.

From Gilbert, Nora Kalvik.

From Des Moines Christian, Isabel Garcia.

From Des Moines Christian, Tessa Erzen.

From Davenport Assumption, Drew Dorsey.

From Gilbert, Elle O'Brien.

From Bishop Heelan, Lauryn Peck.

From Gilbert, Sydney Lynch.

And the captain of the 2023 Class 1A all-tournament team from Bishop Heelan, Trelyn White.

>> Yesterday in the semifinals for Trelyn, and now a part of the all-tournament team and latest -- >> Ladies and gentlemen, from Davenport Assumption -- >> Absolutely and she will be back.

Credit to Trelyn, she did really well.

Unfortunately, getting sent off just because she is a competitor, but deservedly so with the accolades she has just received today for the tournament.

>> So there is your all-tournament team as they had to find everyone to get into that photo.

As Bishop Heelan, your winner here in the 1A state championship, 2-0.

Trelyn White, keep that name in mind for the sophomore.

A couple of more years of play.

Hard-nosed.

Yes, she did go out early, but, man, what a tournament for her and her Heelan Crusaders who win their school's second state soccer championship.

First time since 2015.

The barnstormed their way through competition to get the title.

Here's the trophy presentation.

>> Each player will receive commemorative soccer balls provided by the Iowa farm bureau, title sponsor of the Iowa girls high school athletic union.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Class 1A runner-up, Gilbert Tigers and head coaches Dan Jones and Heather Currans.

And now your 2023 Class 1A champions, the Crusaders of Bishop Heelan and head coach Sean Mansfield.

>> Champions, the Bishop Heelan Crusaders as they -- >> Jada Newberg, please complete the process by advancing -- >> -- as they win it today over Gilbert, 2-0.

So the 1A title wrapped up.

Congratulations to Bishop Heelan and Gilbert for a 1A Championship.

That's one game down in our trio of girls high school soccer championship matches, with coverage here on Iowa PBS.

We'll return shortly with the IIA title.

That will be starting around 3:00.

For Justin forester, B.J.

Shaver saying so long here from Iowa PBS.

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