In a decisive section final win against conference rival Minnehaha Academy, the Spartans walked out of the fire with yet another 1-0 victory. Senior Masumi(Mas) Kouakou (‘25), assisted by sophomore Kiki Sullivan (‘27), pulled off an incredible jumping header with pinpoint accuracy late in the second half to give the Spartans their winning goal. In an unfortunate and controversial turn of events, though, Kouakou was sent off with a straight red card only minutes later after his reaction to an egregious foul committed against him by a Minnehaha defender(who also received a red card). This win advances the team to the state tournament, which will span the next two weeks and ultimately decide if the boy’s varsity soccer team can indeed pull off back-to-back-to-back state championship titles.
The Spartans play next on Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the quarterfinal game at Lakeville High School.