In many ways, Park City's performance during its 1-0 win over No. 2 Logan in the 3A championship game was a microcosm of its season.
At times this year, the talented Miners were fantastic offensively, carving out numerous scoring chances while pinning teams inside their own half. But third-ranked Park City also fought through plenty of adversity.
Both themes were on display against Logan Saturday afternoon. After Chase Gordon scored in the fifth minute, Park City went on to carry much of the play during the first 20 minutes of each half. The Grizzlies put them under pressure at the end of each half, however, particularly down the stretch.
It took a solid back line to make the difference.
The Miners, anchored by a stingy defense and a quality goalkeeper, withstood Logan's attacks en route to the one-goal win.
"This group had the potential the whole year," said Park City coach Mike Guetschow, "and it was up to them. I thought the defense came together and locked it down in the playoffs. Zeros win championships."
It's Park City's second title in three years.
Park City goalie Ryan Lynsky made several key stops over the final 20 minutes to preserve the shutout. The Miners were fairly dominant at the start of the second half, but Logan created several chances after that.
"We didn't have as much possession as we would've liked," said Guetschow, "but the end result is that these boys are smiling and holding a state championship trophy."
In the 69th minute, Logan's Edwin Sanchez played James Calvimonte behind Park City's defense. Calvimonte got the shot off, but Lynsky did extremely well to block it with his feet.
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Park City's defense, led by sweeper Austin Blais, made sure Logan only got a handful of quality scoring chances.
What was Park City thinking at the end?
"You have those negative thoughts," said Blais, who will try to walk on at Virginia. "You think, 'This team's good.' 'Logan's undefeated.' And we just pulled through it."
Gordon, a defensive midfielder, scored the game's lone goal inside five minutes. Stephen Hart, the Deseret Morning News tournament MVP, hurled a long throw inside the 6-yard box, and Gordon headed it off the upper-right corner of the goal and into the net.
Logan played without starting sweeper Fabrice Ntambwe-Kalala, who was red-carded in the semifinal. Jake Gammill filled in well at sweeper.
Coach Tod Martin praised Gammill and his squad for their performance. On the other hand, he accused Park City of being a "dirty" team.
"Park City's an awesome team (with) talented players," said Martin. "It's too bad they're dirty. Dirtiest team I've ever played. They're big. They're tall. Why do they need to be dirty? They already dominate people physically anyways.
"If I had kids on my team that tall," added Martin, "I'd be so lucky. But I don't. I have kids that play good, hard soccer. Kids that are fair. Kids that play their hearts out."
Park City dealt with huge expectations all year. Back in the preseason, Guetschow said his squad would be the most talented team Park City had ever produced. He wondered whether they would become the best Park City team ever.
Did they?
"At any given time, yes," answered Guetschow. "Over the course of the season I think they put themselves out there compared to past state champions. I think the bar (at Park City) has been raised."
All-tournament team
MVP: Stephen Hart, Park City
Forwards: Seth Hansen, Bear River; Kyle Beck, Juan Diego
Midfielders: Tysen Gehring, Juan Diego; James Calvimonte, Logan; Tim Horrocks, Logan; Ryan Williams, Park City
Defenders: Austin Blais, Park City; Jordan Porter, Ogden; Ryan Simons, Park City; Jake Gammill, Logan
Goalkeeper: Kurtis Kraatz, Wasatch
E-mail: drasmussen@desnews.com