Yuma Catholic falls to Gilbert Christian in State Championship again
After an incredible season, fueled by a historic freshman, the Shamrocks fell to the same team, in the same spot
MESA, Ariz. (KYMA) - For the second straight year, Yuma Catholic's championship hopes ended at the hands of Gilbert Christian.
The Shamrocks faced a familiar opponent in the Arizona 3A boys soccer state final, looking to avenge last season's 2-1 loss.
Despite battling back to tie the match in the second half, Yuma Catholic fell short as Gilbert Christian reclaimed the state title.
"I just think it took them a little too long, as usual, to get going," said Yuma Catholic head coach Ralph Evans.
Gilbert Christian opened the scoring midway through the first half when Brady Fredrickson sent a long ball into the box that found Noah Cooper, who headed it past the goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead.
The Shamrocks' defense kept the deficit manageable despite steady pressure. Goalkeeper Adriel Casis made key saves throughout the game, and the back line held strong.
Yuma Catholic found its breakthrough in the second half behind freshman standout Cade Garcia. After weaving through defenders, Garcia pushed the ball forward to Diego Pompa, who finished past the keeper to tie the match at 1-1.
Gilbert Christian answered with the decisive goal as Noah Collier found the back of the net to restore the Knights' lead.
The Knights' goalkeeper made several key saves late to preserve the advantage and secure the championship as well.
"Defensively we made some mistakes," Evans said. "At this point in time, they're such a good team. We're such a good team. It's who makes the least amount of mistakes is going to end up winning."
Despite the loss, Evans couldn't be happier about the group of boys he led.
"They're such a great group of kids. You know, the camaraderie in the team and all," Evans said. "But, you know, if I really can, we keep beating that same drum. If I'm going to remember anything, it's going to be Cade Garcia. What a phenomenal athlete."
The loss marked a second consecutive runner-up finish for the Shamrocks, but Evans said the program is already looking ahead, confident in its future depth.
"I start planning next year for, you know, probably about the fifth or sixth game of the season," Evans said. "I start thinking of who I'm going to move, who's going to be here, who won't be here, and I start planning that far ahead. We have some prospects coming in, and we have some depth this year that we never had before, so I know that the three senior starters that are leaving, I do have people to take their place already."
