How Des Moines Christian girls soccer ended Assumption's championship run in 1A girls state title game
One brilliant move from Isabel Garcia gave Des Moines Christian its first state championship and halted a dynasty.
Garcia scored the only goal in the Lions' 1-0 victory over five-time defending state champion Davenport Assumption during the Class 1A championship game at the girls state soccer tournament Saturday in Des Moines.
"It came down to that second half and who wanted it more and was willing to push that extra mile," Garcia said. "The first day of practice, we came in and one of our beliefs for this team was to take down Assumption. They're a dynasty. We did it. It feels amazing."
Garcia scored the goal at the 47:42 mark. She came up with a phenomenal slide steal, then went down and ripped a kick that roared past Assumption keeper Dawsen Dorsey and into the far corner of the net for the winning score.
"It was a loose ball, 50-50," Garcia said. "I kind of just saw it out there and was like, 'I'm going to get there first. ... I want this bad.'"
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The goal held up thanks to great defense.
Assumption kept bringing the pressure over the final 20 minutes. Dru Dorsey was just high from the 18 with 20 minutes left and Gracen Ruggles was also just a little high on a shot with 6 1/2 minutes left.
Assumption also had a great look with five minutes left, but it went right to Des Moines Christian keeper Maren Miller.
Both keepers put on a show in a scoreless first half.
Dorsey came up with a tremendous save 17 minutes into the first half after Garcia had a great look from 12 yards out. Garcia came up with an amazing steal and fired off a rocket that went just above Dorsey.
Dorsey leaped up and just deflected the ball off the post to prevent a Lion score.
Not to be outdone, Miller came up with a phenomenal play of her own just over 20 minutes into the half.
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Assumption star Jade Jackson was able to maneuver a ball past Miller on a drive toward the goal. But just before Jackson could get off a shot on an open goal, Miller dove backwards and covered up the ball to prevent what looked like a sure score.
Assumption ended its season at 16-5. It was the first time Knight head coach Elizabeth Moss suffered a loss in the state tournament during her six years coaching Assumption.
"There's a first time for everything," Moss said. "We'll let this sink in for a for little bit and we'll get to work in the offseason and hopefully come back stronger next year."
Des Moines Christian finished 21-1. The Lions won their final 20 games of the season after suffering a 4-3 loss to Carlisle April 4.
Garcia ended up being named captain of the 1A all-tournament team. Miller, Sami Webster and Jenna Roberts were also all-tournament selections from Des Moines Christian.
Garcia came over to Des Moines Christian this year from Johnston. She was thrilled to help the Lions bring home their first state title.
"It's insane," Garcia said. "It feels so good."
Des Moines Christian 1, Davenport Assumption 0
Des Moines Christian 0 1 — 1
Davenport Assumption 0 0 — 0
Scoring
Second half
DMC — Isabel Garcia, 47:22.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines Christian girls soccer wins 1A state soccer title
