Two overtimes weren’t enough to decide a winner, but a strong effort in penalty kicks is sending the top-seeded Pella boys soccer team to the state championship game after defeating Gilbert 2-1 Friday in a state semifinals match heard live on 92.1 KRLS.

In contrast to Wednesday’s rough start, the Dutch were the aggressors early, and an Austin Bone goal in the fourth minute gave Pella a lead they wouldn’t relinquish until late in regulation.

Despite tilting more efforts toward defense, the Tigers hit the back of the net in the 75th minute to force overtime. Both teams had multiple chances to get the golden goal, but the defenses hung tough and forced penalty kicks.

Pella Goal Keeper Tyler Killoren knew he needed one save with the strong five players Pella was sending to the back-and-forth penalty kick contest. The senior instead earned two, and the Dutch edged the Tigers 4-3 in the showdown to advance to the Class 2A state championship game.

FULL INTERVIEW WITH KILLOREN:

SEMINI PK GOAL HIGHLIGHT:

Coverage of the title matchup with Lewis Central — who defeated Newton 2-1 Friday, begins at 2:45 this afternoon on 92.1 KRLS. Pella is playing for the school’s 2nd ever title after winning in 2018.