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SPANISH FORK — It’s been no secret that the Maple Mountain boy’s soccer team has been a group of defensive specialists this season.
The Golden Eagles (17-1) have allowed a state-low nine goals on the season, and have yet to concede a marker in the Class 4A state playoffs.
Friday’s quarterfinal match against reigning 5A state champion Alta was no exception.
Dawson Beutler scored the only goal of the match six minutes after halftime, and goalkeeper Spencer Young made three of his four saves in the second half to make it stand up as the Golden Eagles moved into the 4A semifinals with a 1-0 shutout of Alta in Spanish Fork.
“Our defense has been stellar the entire season,” said Maple Mountain coach Mike Klauck, whose team picked up its 12th shutout of the year Friday. “Just rock solid; we’ve had the most shutouts of any team in high school, and I credit the defense to a big part of that. Our goalkeeper is outstanding, and our defense is solid.”
Both teams met in a scoreless stalemate in the first half, but it was Alta that had the best chance with a shot that trickled a few inches past the far post in the final minute of the half.
It didn’t take long after the break for Maple Mountain to warm up, though.
Ian Stonehocker settled the ball off a one-on-one fast-break near the right corner and dished to a wide-open Beutler, who calmly slotted home the decisive goal in the 46th minute.
Stonehocker had a thought to rip a perfectly angled shot on frame, but slotted to Beutler for the finish from near the penalty spot to produce the game-winner.
“I was tempted, but it’s all about the wins,” Stonehocker said. “Goals don’t matter unless you win. I was just as happy — probably more happy.”
From there, Young and the experienced Golden Eagle back line took over. The 6-foot-1 senior parried aside three shots on frame in the first 25 minutes of the second half, and faced five more shots in the final 12 minutes of the match to preserve the shutout.
“From the scouting report we got, they have a very good offense and we expected to deal with that,” Young said. “It was good to see the defense pull through.
“It’s not one player that makes this team; everyone finds a way to the goal, and everyone makes the team. Ian did well to find the goal, and Dawson was right there with him.”
Maple Mountain advanced to its first 4A state semifinal since 2014, a time Stonehocker remembers well because he was forced out with a knee injury during his freshman season.
This year is a different story, said the junior forward who has 12 goals on the season.
“We’re feeling strong, and we’ve got the best team in the state, in my opinion,” Stonehocker said. “I love my midfield; we’ve got a strong defense with Sam Krommenhoek, Luis Monsalvo and Tyler Lloyd. Me, Dawson and Angel (Menendez) up top is a pretty good threat.”
Alta 0 0 — 0
MMtn 0 1 — 1
Goals — MM: Beutler (Stonehocker)
SO — MM: Young, 4 saves
The Golden Eagles will face Mountain View at 6:30 p.m. May 24 at Davis High. The state final is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. May 26 at Juan Diego.
“It’s a humbling experience to be able to be here against teams of this caliber,” Klauck said. “To come out on top is great; I think our boys deserve it. They’ve worked hard for four years, and they’re putting it together and showing what kind of a team they are.”
Orem shut out Olympus 1-0 to book its spot in the other semifinal next Tuesday. The Tigers will face Cyprus, which edged Bountiful 2-1 in extra time, at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday at Davis to open the 4A final four.
“It’s definitely an exciting moment for us,” Young said. “This is all we’ve ever worked for. We know we can get to the finals if we play our game and perform.”
