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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Gonzaga Prep Blanks Kamiakin To Qualify For State Soccer Semis

Defense and goalkeeping allowed Gonzaga Prep to qualify for its second consecutive State AAA boys soccer final four.

Goalie Brian Mullen stopped five of Kamiakin’s seven shots on goal Saturday as Prep (18-4) edged the Braves 1-0 in the state quarterfinals.

The Bullpups, third at state last year, play a semifinal Friday night at Central Valley High. The title match is Saturday at CV.

Prep survived a physical contest that resulted in four Bullpups being carried off the field. The worst injury was apparently to Chad Zlateff, who pulled his hamstring and is questionable for the semifinal.

Zlateff set up the match’s lone goal, at 25 minutes, on a free kick outside the penalty box. Zlateff curled the ball to the far post and Tyler Jordan scored on a diving header.

Defense, however, provided the difference. Mullen made a diving save in the second half to preserve the win. A low, hard shot by Kamiakin hit a hole in front of the goal and nearly kicked over Mullen’s head.

“This was our toughest game,” said Prep coach Christian Birrer. “No. 1, Kamiakin had some outstanding ball handlers and they are very dangerous in one-on-one situations. Two, they are very rough and very physical, and Big Nine (Conference) officials let play go instead of calling fouls.”