In a thrilling state semifinals contest, the Pella boys soccer team defeated Cedar Rapids Xavier 2-1 to advance to the program’s second state championship game appearance.

The Little Dutch and Saints traded shots for most of the 1st half, until Pella broke free with just over 12 minutes remaining in the first half, as a series of ricochets set up an Ethan Poulter goal.

Xavier scored on a penalty kick at 15:33, only for the Dutch to break free with Bailey Hamilton setting up Poulter for a header at 11:25 remaining in regulation.

Head Coach Mark Solomon tells KNIA/KRLS Sports defense was the name of the game, as if it wasn’t for the PK, the Dutch backline and goalkeeper Sam Warner kept the high-octane Saints off the board.

Senior Lucas Warner says with Storm Lake looming and a dangerous trio of scorers, the defense will have to make an even better effort later today.

“[It’s going to take] a lot of hard work, and a lot of discipline,” he says. “Storm Lake is great at moving the ball, they’re fast, and they’re probably the best team in 2A at possession, and so we’re going to have to stay on guys hard and we’re just going to have to work them off the ball.”

Pella takes on undefeated Storm Lake in the Class 2A state championship game today at 2:30 p.m. at the Cownie Sports Complex in Des Moines. KNIA/KRLS will have updates throughout the game, as well as a post game report this afternoon.