
Sioux Falls Lincoln and Harrisburg emerged victorious in their respective state soccer championships, solidifying their dominance in South Dakota high school soccer on March 15, 2024. Lincoln’s boys team claimed a decisive 6-0 victory over Sioux Falls Jefferson, while Harrisburg’s girls team triumphed 3-1 against O’Gorman at Sioux Park in Rapid City.
Lincoln Boys Secure Third Consecutive Championship
The Lincoln Patriots showcased their strength in Class AA boys soccer with a commanding performance against Jefferson. This win marks Lincoln’s third consecutive state championship and their fifth overall since the South Dakota High School Activities Association began sanctioning high school soccer in 2012. Notably, Lincoln is the first team to achieve three consecutive titles in this division.
The scoring began early as Miles Rolfing netted the first goal less than eight minutes into the match. Following this, Salmonsi David extended the lead in the 26th minute with a volley in a crowded penalty area. Just before halftime, Brady Stamp converted a penalty kick, bringing the score to 3-0.
In the second half, Hudson Holman scored the fourth goal, showcasing an impressive breakaway off a header from Jake Burchett. David added another goal with eight minutes remaining, and an own goal from Jefferson sealed their fate. Opland Sonnichsen recorded a shutout in goal for Lincoln, affirming their dominance in the match.
This victory avenged Lincoln’s earlier 2-1 loss to Jefferson during the regular season. The Cavaliers, participating in their inaugural state championship match, concluded their season with a record of 13-2-2.
Harrisburg Girls Capture Fourth State Title
In the girls’ championship, the Harrisburg Tigers reaffirmed their status at the top of Class AA girls soccer by defeating O’Gorman 3-1. This victory marks Harrisburg’s fourth state championship, the most titles held by any school in this category.
The Tigers, seeded second, opened scoring in the 30th minute when Lily Churchill capitalized on a deflection for a 1-0 lead. Brynn Skogen then doubled the advantage with a header from teammate Aubrey Zink with 14 minutes left in the match. Taylor Syverson sealed the victory with a goal six minutes later, pushing the lead to 3-0.
Although the fourth-seeded O’Gorman Knights, who had not reached the finals since 2017, managed to score through Addison Dougherty‘s corner kick deflection late in the game, they could not close the gap, finishing their season with a record of 12-3-3.
Sioux Falls Christian and JVC Achieve State Titles
In the Class A girls final, Sioux Falls Christian secured their second consecutive state title, overcoming top-seeded Dakota Valley in a thrilling penalty shootout. After a 1-1 draw in regulation, Sioux Falls Christian triumphed 4-3 in penalties. The Chargers improved to 10-6-1 for the season, while Dakota Valley concluded their campaign at 11-4-1.
Sioux Falls Christian initially took the lead when a corner kick from Kenley Anderson deflected off a Dakota Valley defender into the net. However, the Panthers equalized through Millie Squier shortly after.
In the boys’ Class A final, the Vikings of Huron claimed their first state championship with a 2-0 victory over Freeman Academy. Noah Fast scored the opening goal, followed by a second from Carson Dorris. The Vikings finished the season with a remarkable record of 14-1, avenging their only loss from the regular season.
These championship matches highlighted the competitive spirit and dedication of high school athletes across South Dakota, with notable performances ensuring memorable victories for Lincoln, Harrisburg, Sioux Falls Christian, and Huron.