Bears fall in shootout in district final

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The Blair boys soccer team was on the verge of making its first state tournament appearance in 15 years, but it just couldn't hold off a comeback effort by Mount Michael in the Class B-4 district final Saturday in Elkhorn.

The Bears (10-7) lost 4-3 in a shootout to the seventh-ranked Knights (11-5).

“The biggest factor for us today was the wind as it has been all season,” Blair coach Curt Scott said. “In the first half, we had the wind and we played a great possession game and we played a great switch game.”

The Bears jumped out to an early 1-0 lead just 2:30 minutes into the game on a goal by senior Gabe Zurek. Blair added to its lead just before halftime with a goal from junior Tyler Schroder.

But the Knights answered with a quick goal after intermission from sophomore Harper Held.

Blair extended its lead to 3-1 on Zurek's team-leading 28th goal of the season just before the midway point of the second half, but goals from Held and Joe Chouinard with 10:17 and 5:23, respectively remaining sent the match to overtime.

Mount Michael's goalkeeper Kyle Pelan came up with two key stops in the shootout as the Knights won 4-3 in kicks.

Scott was at a loss for words at how the Bears' season came to an end.

“We did what we could. I, honestly, thought we were the better team today,” he said. “This is a great team. Mount Michael gets all the credit, but today I thought we were the better team overall. But it happens.”

Despite the outcome, Scott said he was “extremely proud” of his team.

“This year, to us, is all about our seniors. Credit goes to them for sure,” he said.

(breakout)

Mount Michael 4, Blair 3, SO

Blair 2 1 0 0 0 (3) — 3

MM 0 3 0 0 1 (4) — 4

Goals — Blair, Gabe Zurek 2, Tyler Schroeder; MM, Harper Held 2, Joe Chouinard.