The Mahtomedi Zephyrs secured a spot in the Class 2A girls soccer championship by overcoming a halftime deficit to defeat Mankato East 2-1 in a semifinal match held at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 29, 2025. Senior midfielder Kayla Poirer played a pivotal role in the victory, assisting on both goals scored by teammates Lucy Peer and Elise Aflakpi during a remarkable second-half comeback.
The Zephyrs, who entered the match as the top seed, faced challenges throughout the season, having lost 11 seniors from their previous championship team. Coach Dave Wald emphasized a shift in attitude during his halftime talk, urging his players to embrace the pressure of the moment. “It’s hard, this is a tough situation, a lot of pressure,” Wald remarked. “We kind of played afraid in the first half.”
After trailing 1-0 at halftime, Mahtomedi’s persistence paid off in the second half. In the 49th minute, Poirer’s cross into the box led to Peer scoring on a rebound, leveling the match at 1-1. Shortly thereafter, Poirer displayed her skills again, deftly maneuvering past a defender before delivering a precise pass that Aflakpi headed into the net, giving Mahtomedi a 2-1 lead.
“Kayla has a really good foot and really good aim,” Aflakpi said, praising her teammate’s ability to deliver critical assists. The two goals demonstrated the Zephyrs’ ability to execute under pressure, traits that Wald has cultivated throughout the season despite ongoing challenges.
The match was not without its tense moments. Mankato East initially took the lead in the 15th minute when Mia Graff’s cross deflected off the far post and into the goal. With the Cougars up by one, Mahtomedi’s defensive efforts were crucial. Freshman defender Olivia Boberg made a critical play that preserved the Zephyrs’ chance at victory. Following a sliding save by goalkeeper Harlow Berger, Boberg rushed back to block a follow-up shot that could have tied the game.
The Zephyrs will now prepare to face either the second-seeded Blake or the third-seeded Holy Angels in the championship match, scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Friday. Last year, Mahtomedi triumphed over Holy Angels, winning the title 2-0, and they hope to replicate that success.
As they approach the final, the resilience and teamwork displayed in the semifinal match reflect the Zephyrs’ determination to defend their state championship title. With a blend of skilled play and a renewed attitude, Mahtomedi aims to continue their journey towards victory in the upcoming championship game.
