The 2013 IHSA Class 1A Boys Soccer State Finals return to the Corn Crib in Normal for the third time on Friday and Saturday, November 1-2. The 2013 tournament marks the 42nd annual season of the Boys Soccer State Finals and the sixth year of the three-class system. Since the move to three classes, Class 1A has produced six different state champions in six seasons. That trend will continue in 2013, as defending champ Alton Marquette did not make it past the Regional round this season. Genoa-Kingston is the lone first-time qualifier in the field, while Herscher and Chicago’s F.W. Parker are playing in the state finals for the second and third times, respectively. Meanwhile, Gibault Catholic continues its tradition of excellence, as the program seeks its fourth state title on its ninth state final trip. Herscher will meet Genoa-Kingston at 5 p.m. in Friday’s first semifinal and Gibault Catholic and F.W. Parker will square off at 7 p.m. in the second semi. Saturday’s third-place and championship matches will unfold at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., respectively. All four state final tournament matches on Friday and Saturday will be webcast live with full video and audio on IHSA.tv.

HERSCHER TIGERS (22-4-1)
Head coach Alan High guides the Tigers to state for the second time in school history and the first time since 2006. Herscher has the top goal scorer left in the Class 1A field in senior forward Mitchell Schwarzkopf, who has 29 goals this season. Senior forward Colin Lund gives the team another scoring threat (11 goals), while senior defender Nick Wheeler can also score from his defender position (11 goals). Leighton Howard has been stellar in goal for the Tigers this season, as the 6-3 junior has made 109 saves while allowing less than a goal per game (.65 GAA).

GENOA-KINGSTON COGS (17-6-1)
Head coach Randy Tate and the Cogs have rolled through the postseason en route to their first state final appearance, outscoring their five State Series opponents 9-1, including four straight shutouts. Genoa-Kingston has scored three goals or more in 12 matches this season with an offense led by senior midfielder Will Crozier (15 goals, 6 assists), senior forward Juan DeSilva (12 goals, 7 assists) and sophomore forward Juan Lechuga (11 goals, 6 assists). Sophomore goalkeeper Andrew Caldwell has been in goal for all but one match for the Cogs this season, allowing 1.63 goals per game.

GIBAULT CATHOLIC HAWKS (17-4-4)
All nine of the Hawks state final trips have come since 2000, but 2013 marks the first under third-year head coach Matt Reeb, who followed the legendary Jim Corsi. Gibualt’s 2013 edition thrives on a strong defense that features senior Austin Gregson (.88 GAA, 148 saves) in goal. The unit has allowed one goal or less in 18 matches this season, including 10 shutouts. On the offensive end, senior midfielder Frank Mantia sets the table for the Hawks, while senior forward Mitch Meyer (17 goals) and junior defender Andrew Reinholz (12 goals) are responsible for most of Mantia’s team-high 21 assists.

F.W. PARKER COLONELS (14-1-6)
Neil Curran has coached F.W. Parker to all three of its state final trips and hopes to play in the title match for the first time in 2013 after placing fourth and third in 2007 and 2011, respectively. The Colonels have only allowed two goals in a match once this season, as senior goalkeeper JP Pereira-Webber (.41 GAA, 81 saves) and company have posted 12 shutouts. The offense has been no slouch either, thanks in part to senior forward Noah Wolff’s 22 goals and 11 assists. The Colonel offense is balanced beyond Wolff, who has teamed with senior midfielder Griffin Amdur (12 assists) to record helpers with several teammates, as seven players on the team have tallied three goals or more in 2013.

SITE
The Corn Crib (Normal)
Directions


SCHEDULE
Friday, November 1
Semifinal #1 - 5:00 p.m.
Herscher  vs.
Genoa-Kingston

Semifinal #2 - 7:00 p.m.
Gibault Catholic  vs.
F.W. Parker

Saturday, November 2
Third-Place -  3:00 p.m.
Championship - 5:00 p.m.


WATCH
All matches available live on www.IHSA.tv


LISTEN
TBA


RESULTS & BOX SCORES
IHSA Boys Soccer Page


TICKETS
$6 per day


INTERACT
Twitter Coverage:
@IHSAState    #IHSA

Facebook Page

Photos


HISTORY & RECORDS
2013 1A State Series

Record Book & Past Champions