Minneapolis Washburn clinched its first state tournament berth since 1989 with a 2-1 comeback victory on Tuesday against conference and intracity rival Minneapolis Southwest.

The Millers, who had upset top-seeded Wayzata in the semifinals of the Class 2A, Section 6 tournament, scored twice in the first 20 minutes of the second half to defeat the Lakers at Southwest High School.

Andy Pulkrabek and Hassan Adan scored for fourth-seeded Washburn (11-4-3). The Millers gave up only two shots on goal in the second half, after second-seeded Southwest (10-5-3) attempted five in the first.

“They showed some character,” Washburn coach Aaron Percy said. “They showed that they aren’t going to let this one slip away.”

Washburn attempted four shots on goal in the first 20 minutes of the second half. Pulkrabek scored nine minutes into the half, heading a free kick by Kevin Lowen into the net. Hassan scored eight minutes later off of a free kick by Mitch Taylor.
Southwest’s James Gagnon scored on a header 19 minutes into the first half.

At halftime Percy said he asked the team, “Why are you guys playing scared?''

“We haven’t played like that the last two games,” he said, “It’s always a funny game when we play here.”

Washburn and Southwest played twice earlier. Southwest won the first match 1-0 and the teams tied 3-3 in the second.

Washburn defeated Wayzata 2-1 in the section semifinals and St. Louis Park 3-0 in the quarterfinals.

Minneapolis Washburn scored twice in the second half to defeat intra-city rival Minneapolis Southwest for the Class 2A, Section 6 title.

Washburn’s Andy Pulkrabek scored on a header 49 minutes into the game to tie the game. The Millers' Hassan Adan scored the team's second goal eight minutes later.

Minneapolis Washburn (11-4-3), which knocked off top section seed Wayzata in the semifinals, attempted four shots on goal in the second half after just one in the first. Minneapolis Southwest (11-5-3) attempted two in the second half after five in the first.

The Lakers' James Gagnon scored on a header 19 minutes into the first half.

Check back later for more on the game.