After 100 minutes of scoreless soccer, No. 4 Perry and No. 2 San Luis went to penalty kicks to decide the 6A state championship. In just a few short minutes, Perry goalkeeper Carson Pridie puncuated his claim as Arizona's best soccer player in 2024, as he came up with two huge blocks that led Perry to a 4-2 advantage in the penalty kick round, and its second consecutive 6A title Saturday night at Mesa High.

Pridie was nearly equally brilliant during regulation, as he kept San Luis' athletic and aggressive offense out of the net, recording eight saves. His counterpart Nelson Berrelleza was equally effective during regulation, as both teams played physical defense throughout the game.

Pridie allowed only one goal throughout the playoffs, but there aren't many things more difficult for a goalie than defending penalty kicks, which are straight on from 10 yards out.

San Luis senior Misael Meza scored on the first attempt, as Pridie caught a piece of the ball before it defelected into the net. But Pridie was able to block the next two attempts from the Sidewinders.

Aiden Yen, Mac Bowers, and Brody Donovan all scored for Perry (18-4-2) during the penalty kick round before Tyler Haren sealed the game and championship on the Pumas fourth attempt, and the celebration ensued.

"When you get into penalty kicks, it's really more mental than anything," Pridie said about penalty kick strategy. "The best player in the world can miss a penalty kick. But everybody put everything into this game. I've spent four years with these boys, and to say we are family is an understatement. This is a team game no matter what, and if any one of our players plays even five percent worse, then it's a completely different game."

For the San Luis Sidewinders (14-1-1), the loss was their first and only of the year, and especially difficult. San Luis not only fell to Perry in last year's title contest, but three of the last four championship matches. A huge following of devoted fans made the three hour drive from southwestern Arizona, filling up an entire half of Mesa High's home bleachers.

San Luis goalkeeper Nelson Berrelleza anguishes after Perry clinches the 6A state soccer title. Photo by Ben Stapley

"When I look at these kids and think about this game it's really hard to feel disappointment," San Luis coach Jesus Rojas said after the game.

"These boys are obviously heartbroken but I am so proud of how they played. The heart they showed on the field was incredible."