OMAHA — Two goals in a four-minute span in the second half helped seventh-seeded South Sioux City upset No. 2 Millard North 2-1 in the opening round of the Class A Boys State Soccer Championships Tuesday at Creighton University’s Morrison Stadium.
Both teams had some chances during a scoreless first half, but the seal was finally broken three minutes into the second half when Greco Alvarez put a free kick from about 35 yards away in front of the SSC bench that got over the head of Millard North goalkeeper Carter Wiebusch to give the Cardinals a 1-0 advantage.
Four minutes later, the Cardinals doubled their lead when a shot deflected onto the waiting foot of Diego Montes, who punched it past Wiebusch for a 2-0 SSC lead.
Millard North would not go quietly, however. Three minutes later, the Mustangs put a crossing pass in front of goal that Brayden Schwinck put past Cardinal netminder Josue Carrasco to halve the advantage to 2-1 with just over 30 minutes to go.
Millard North had another golden opportunity four minutes later, as Schwinck launched a rocket from just outside the penalty box that went high and right.
The Mustangs nearly scored again with about four minutes remaining off of a corner kick, but the South Sioux boys defended the situation and kept the Mustangs from scoring the equalizer.
Three minutes later, another corner kick opportunity for Millard North went wide to the far side, and despite outshooting South Sioux City 10-9 (6-3 on goal), the Cardinals were able to survive to improve to 15-4 and advance to Friday’s semifinals against either Omaha South or Lincoln Southwest.
