metro roundup
'Tonka prevails in OT
BOYS' SOCCER
• MINNETONKA 3, BLOOMINGTON JEFFERSON 2 (2 OTs): Senior forward Max Sharpe's 15-yard bullet in the first minute of the second overtime period eluded Jefferson goalkeeper Joe Engel and nestled into the far corner of the net, giving top-seeded Minnetonka a victory in the Class 2A, Section 2 championship game.
"I moved one way, made a touch to the right and I shot," Sharpe said. "I saw it hit the back of the net and it was the greatest feeling."
Sharpe's right-footed laser rescued Minnetonka from a potentially heart-breaking loss. After an even first half that ended in a 1-1 tie, the Skippers took a 2-1 lead in the 52nd minute on a goal by Adam Reiskytl, who was the beneficiary of a brilliant feed from teammate Suad Suljic.
That lead nearly stood up, but Minnetonka was called for a handball violation in the final minute of regulation. Jaguars midfielder Ryan Fitch, who had scored the game's first goal, hit a perfect 20-yard free kick to tie the score.
Both teams had gasp-inducing chances in the first 10-minute overtime period, but the game continued until Sharpe's goal.
Minnetonka (16-0-2) qualified for the Class 2A state tournament for the first time since 1999.
JIM PAULSEN