Roberts’ boot sends Linn-Mar to first state title game in program history

AMES — Linn-Mar girls’ soccer coach Hannah Clark couldn’t hold back.

With a Class 3A state semifinal against No. 3 Ankeny Centennial tied 1-1 late, senior Abi Roberts let it fly from deep — very deep.

Nothing but net.

“All I could do was scream with the rest of the bench,” Clark said. “I still have the chills. I’m super excited for her, she’s had an amazing season. Same with the rest of these players. So much to be proud of.”

Roberts’ go-ahead goal with 4:19 remaining was the difference in a 2-1 victory Thursday at Lied Recreation Fields in Ames. The win sends Linn-Mar to the state championship game for the first time in program history.

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“I had two girls on my back in the first half, so the only way I was going to score is a shot from far out, like I did on Tuesday night.” Roberts said. “I kind of just kicked it up there and hoped for the best.”

Roberts scored two goals Tuesday, both from downtown, in the Lions’ 3-0 quarterfinal win against West Des Moines Valley.

“I think she saw the goalkeeper kept coming a little bit high off her line,” Clark said. “She took her shot and the ball went through. It was an amazing shot.”

Dreya Kern put Linn-Mar on the board first, heading home a beautiful corner kick from Aubrey Luck with 24:34 to go.

“It was perfect — maybe a little high, but she trusts me to go up and get those high balls,” Kern said. “It’s all about the team connection and trust with us.”

Ankeny Centennial (15-4-2) answered at the 12:35 mark with an Ava Martin goal.

“It’s going to happen, you’re going to get scored on,” Clark said. “We just needed to stay relaxed, control our emotions and continue being positive.

“It was a battle the entire game. We just played a really good team.”

Seventh-ranked Linn-Mar (17-3) is the 7-seed in the state tournament.

“It’s heartwarming to come here and kind of be the underdog,” Clark said. “We’ve known we’ve had a special team for a long time.”

Thursday’s win sets up a rematch against No. 1 and top-seed Waukee Northwest.

The Wolves beat Linn-Mar at the Ankeny and Centennial Crosstown Soccer Invitational on April 5.

“We played them earlier this season and lost 2-0, so it should be a good little rematch,” Clark said. “We played Valley at the beginning of the season, too, and came back to win 3-0 (Tuesday), so we’re excited. We deserve to be there.”

Linn-Mar and Waukee Northwest will kick off Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at the Cyclone Sports Complex in Ames.

“I’m thrilled for Saturday,” Kern said. “We’re ready to go to the championship.”