Sartell boys soccer advances to State Semifinals for first time in program history

MONTICELLO, Minn. — When the Sartell boys soccer team last stepped onto the field at Monticello High School, the Sabres left in heartbreak. They were determined to not relive those feelings this go around, beating Orono 2-1 in an overtime thriller for their 18th-consecutive victory.

"I've wanted this moment to come back around ever since that day," senior forward and captain Cole Davidson said. "I've been working ever since, and I just knew it'd be back. It's an amazing feeling."

Coming out of halftime in a scoreless stalemate, freshman Nolan Guzman got the breakthrough goal in the 34th minute of the second half to give Sartell the lead.

After 33 minutes of tireless defensive effort, and a few strong looks on goal, that 1-0 lead stayed true until senior Mason Revering scored in the final seconds of the game to force overtime for Orono.

"You got to regroup and control what you can control," head coach Caleb Forberg said. "The message before overtime was to end it early."

Following such a gut-punch at the end of regulation, senior midfielder Ashton Shosted drew a penalty kick just two minutes into the overtime period. After selecting Davidson to take the kick, Forberg knew the PK was going in before the ball was even kicked.

"There was no doubt in my mind on the sideline that he was going to put that one in," Forberg said. "There's excitement and relief. I know these guys are going to remember that, and so will I. It's all you can ask for out of your senior group."

This senior group has been one to remember for the Sabres, registering four consecutive winning seasons and improving from 8-7-1 as sophomores to now 18-2-0 as seniors.

To return to the same field of heartbreak a year ago, with a bulk of the same roster on the field, is a testament to the grit and dedication this senior class bestows within themselves.

"The boys stuck to the plan," Forberg said. "We talk about it every practice. Just stick with it, [don't] ride the highs and the lows. We were low at the end of this game, but we can't ride it. It's a credit to the guys to be able to get on each other in a positive way."

It is the first time in program history that Sartell is making it past the State Quarterfinal and is guaranteed to max-out the number of games played in a single season.

"That's been the goal ever since last year, it's a big deal," Davidson said. "I've grown really great bonds with all these boys, and it means a lot to get this far with them. It's amazing."

Sartell will take on Cretin-Derham Hall at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 4 at U.S. Bank Stadium in hopes of keeping its win streak alive.

With a win, the Sabres would advance to the championship scheduled for 2:45 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 7 at U.S. Bank. With a loss, they would play in the third-place game at noon, Thursday, Nov. 5 at West St. Paul Regional Athletics Center.

"It's an amazing feeling; I've known these boys for a long time," Forberg said. "Eighteen wins is an amazing accomplishment, but it is one game at a time and that's the message. We're going to go down to U.S. Bank on Wednesday and we're going to give it our all. We can still control our destiny."

You can reach St. Cloud Times sports reporter David Jacobs and send story ideas and tips to djacobs@gannett.com . Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @davidrjacobs10 , and on Instagram @ByDavidJacobs .