Dorian Zavala is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Saguaro High School for AZPreps365.com.

The Saguaro Sabercats defeated the Goldwater Bulldogs 4-1 to advance to the 2023 4A Conference state championship game.

It's been a long three years for coach Nagui Sabbagh, but he was overcome with emotion after his team punched its ticket to the championship game.

"It means so much, the past couple of years we've been right there and losing on unfortunate goals, but you know, sometimes you need some luck … this means a lot," said Sabbagh.

It was a cold afternoon, but the game was heated from the beginning as the Bulldogs played physical soccer. Senior forward Jack Dunlop was fouled hard at midfield during a sliding tackle in the first few minutes.

"It was very frustrating at first because we felt a lot of the calls weren't going our way, but it took our three captains to keep us in the game get us in our grove … when we play our best game no one can match us," said Dunlop.

The rough play from the Bulldogs didn't stop Saguaro from creating chances as senior midfielder Luis Espino got a pass from outside the box, slipping it past the goalkeeper for the early 1-0 lead.

The physical play continued throughout the first half as two more clear no-calls stopped the offensive pressure from the Sabercats offense.

As the first half was ending, a defensive lapse by the Sabercats almost cost them as a loose ball shot from outside the box hit the crossbar with just 10 seconds left.

When the second half got underway, it didn't take long for Goldwater to even the score as a loose rebound off the senior goalkeeper James Hepola was pushed into the goal tying the game 1-1.

But as the game went deeper into the second half, Saguaro was able to take control of the game and open up more chances for the offense to score.

It didn't take long for one of those offensive opportunities to pay out as senior striker Bronson Smith ripped one passed the goalkeeper, putting Saguaro back on top 2-1.

Fifteen minutes later, senior midfielder Anthony Ponce put a beautiful shot from outside the box, adding to Saguaro's lead and making it 3-1.

"Not gonna lie, I thought I was going to miss because it was with my lefty, but I got good placement," said Ponce.

In the game's final minutes, the bulldogs became frustrated with the game getting away from them. While the Sabercats were attacking Bulldogs defender fouled Dunlop in the box for a penalty kick bringing the score to 4-1.

"I wasn't going to let this opportunity go, I wanted to close the door on the game," said Dunlop.

The Sabercats are just 80 minutes away from reaping the benefits of all the sacrifices the boys made throughout the season.

"Seniors they stepped up and led by example, that's what we said from the get-go," said Sabbagh. "We want to lead by example we can't have any excuses we play as a team and we win as a team."

The Saguaro Sabercats will take on the Salpointe Catholic Lancers in the championship game at Glendale High on Friday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m.