The Knoxville Panthers are state-bound for the second time in school history after the boys defeated Pella to 2-1 following a penalty-kick shootout Saturday afternoon.

Knoxville scored the first goal of the game in the 24th minute, and held the lead for most of the duration despite several Pella charges in the second half. Ben Nelson tied the game for the Dutch on a breakaway with a 1:50 left in regulation.

Two overtime periods couldn’t settle the score, so it came down to penalty kicks. Pella took a 2-1 lead before Knoxville hit the final three shots to send them to the Cownie Sports Complex in Des Moines. Cristian Magana hit the deciding goal just past Pella’s Sam Warner.

Knoxville improves to 14-4 and have won six in a row heading into the state tournament. Pella will finish 9-9.

Knoxville plays against No. 1 Xavier in the opening round on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at the Cownie Sports Complex in Des Moines.