ST. CLOUD – Sydney Flannery isn’t in Eagan’s team picture in the soccer state tournament program, but she delivered the big moment in the Wildcats’ 1-0 victory over Centennial in the Class 2A state semifinals on Tuesday.

Flannery, the lone sophomore on Eagan’s roster and a midseason call-up, scored what turned out to be the game-winning goal, vaulting the No. 1-ranked Wildcats (20-0-1) to the state championship game.

Flannery’s header with 2 minutes, 55 seconds left in the first half came on the rebound after a free kick from 40 yards out by Rachel Wall clanked off the crossbar. It was Flannery’s third goal of the year.

“It feels great,” Flannery said. “Being the only sophomore and the youngest player, to be able to win one for my team is awesome.”

The game was a predictable defensive battle. Aside from Flannery’s goal, the majority of the action was between the teams’ 20-yard lines. In the two teams’ first 20 games, No. 4-ranked Centennial (17-2-2) allowed a mere seven goals and Eagan just nine.

On Tuesday, the two teams combined for six shots on goal — four by Eagan, two by Centennial.

Eagan, which is making its sixth state tournament appearance, is in the state title game for the first time.

“I never thought I’d even be on the team this year,” Flannery said. “It’s awesome to be on this amazing team and to be able to go to the state championship.”

PATRICK JOHNSON

Sydney Flannery isn’t in Eagan’s team picture in the girls' soccer state tournament program, but she delivered the big moment Tuesday in the Wildcats’ 1-0 Class 2A state semifinal victory over Centennial.

Flannery, Eagan’s lone sophomore on the roster, scored what turned out to be the game-winning goal, vaulting the No. 1-ranked Wildcats (20-0-1) to the state championship game. 

Flannery’s tally with 2:55 left in the first half came on a rebound after a free kick from 40 yards out by Rachel Wall clanked off the crossbar. 

The game was a predictable defensive battle. Aside from Flannery’s goal, most of the game was played between the teams’ 20-yard lines. Until Tuesday's matchup, No. 4-ranked Centennial (17-2-2) allowed a mere seven goals in 20 games while Eagan allowed just nine goals in 20 games. 

Eagan, making its sixth state tournament appearance, is in the state title game for the first time.

Check back later for more on the game.