GEORGETOWN — A former mainstay made his return Thursday in the Class 5A boys soccer state finals.
A year ago, Wakeland lost in the regional quarterfinals, missing out on the state finals for the first time since 2015.
The Wolverines (19-5-3) capitalized on set pieces against Glenn (29-1-1) to return to the championship game after a year away. Goals from Jonathan Ropp and Jack Minsky handed the Grizzlies their first loss of the season, 2-0, at Birkelbach Field. Wakeland College will play Saturday afternoon at the same venue, seeking its third state title in the past four years and fifth in the past eight years.
Before Lopp's opening goal, both teams had one shot on goal in the first 32 minutes of the match. Cameron Warner then swung a free-kick just outside the box from the right and Ropp's header went just under the bar.
Glenn tried to answer before halftime through Vince Rodriguez, who slipped in behind Wakeland's last line. However, goalkeeper Adrian Rodriguez cut the angle before Rodriguez could take the shot, dropping low and stretching his legs to protect Wakeland's advantage.
Minsky added the Wolverines' second marker in the 52nd minute. This time Wakeland won a corner kick, which Maximilian Parra smashed towards the near post. Minsky arrived unmarked and chested the ball.
Glenn outscored the Wolverines 5-3 in the second half, but was unable to play. Armando Don Juan's free kick hit the Grizzlies' post, and Rodriguez totaled three saves, giving Wakeland its fifth shutout in six postseason games.
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