This time, the San Luis Sidewinders didn’t sit back.

This time, it defeated the state’s premier 6A boys soccer program, Brophy.

This time, can San Luis—the best soccer program in the state without a ring—finally win that elusive state title in its fourth try?

What is known is that San Luis conquered Brophy, 1-0, Tuesday night at a neutral site, Buckeye, during the state semifinals. After the final whistle, the winning team exchanged hugs and shed tears.

 

 

It’s a significant victory for a program participating in the postseason for the 19th time in its 20th year of existence, but it’s chasing something bigger.

“One step at a time,” coach Jesus Rojas said. “That’s why my celebration wasn’t so effusive, because we know the objective isn’t to get to the final. The objective is to win it, and all of the (players) know it. That’s why it’s just one step at a time.”

Rojas took over his alma mater after his former high school coach, Tim Conroy, stepped down.

Conroy, the architect of San Luis’ program, was in attendance Tuesday.

The last time Brophy played San Luis—in the 6A title game in 2021—the Sidewinders also grabbed a 1-0 lead.

But instead of continuing to attack, the team opted to protect its goal. That proved costly, as Brophy scored and eventually won after a shootout.

Even if San Luis’ opportunistic offense stopped moving forward, Brophy may have had trouble scoring this time around. The Sidewinders’ defense proved that it’s legit after becoming the first Arizona team to hold Brophy (17-2-2) scoreless this season.

Scoring opportunities (nine combined shots on goal) were scarce for both teams actually. San Luis (16-0) put away its best chance and blocked Brophy’s best attempt.

 

 

In the 14th minute, Francisco Piña was in the right place, volleying in an assist from captain Luis Paul Meneses from close range.

“I was so happy when it went in,” Piña said. “That’s why I came to celebrate with all of my teammates. This goal wasn’t just for me. It was for the entire team.”

In the 22nd minute, San Luis’ defense (state leading 13 clean sheets) stepped up once again when Alejandro Peña blocked a penalty kick.

Peña has conceded just one goal in 16 games.

“We have the best defense in the state,” Peña said. “That’s all I can say.”

San Luis’ back line is led by the tall and strong Erick Quirarte, whose defense hasn’t allowed a goal in its last nine matches.

That defense, however, will be tested in Saturday’s 6A final against a solid Perry side that scored five goals in its semifinal match against No. 1 seed Tucson.

This season, Marc Kelly, a Brophy alum and former Brophy head coach, returned to the pitch. Losing Tuesday’s match was tough, especially for the 18 seniors on the team.

But after Tuesday’s match, Kelly’s boys, staff and fans showed a lot of class, congratulating San Luis and wishing the Sidewinders good luck in their next and final match of the season.