Desert Vista defeats Washington for Open Division boys soccer title

Desert Vista won the AIA boys high school Open Division soccer championship over Washington in a thrilling penalty kick shootout Saturday when the Thunder’s Dario Melo nailed the game-winning kick.

Both teams were coming off impressive wins in the previous round. No. 5-seeded Washington upset No.1 Pinnacle 3-1, while No. 2 Desert Vista defeated No. 3 Campo Verde by the same score.

It was the first title since the 2021-22 season for the Thunder when they won the 6A championship. This was the first season an Open bracket was introduced by the AIA into boys and girls soccer, taking the top teams from 6A, 5A and 4A. Washington is a 5A team.

Saturday’s first half was competitive, with both teams having opportunities on goal, but exceptional play by both goalkeepers kept the first half scoreless.

The game stayed that way until 18 minutes remained in the second half when Washington forward Pablo Morquecho scored the first goal of the game and the crowd erupted. Desert Vista responded within three minutes when forward Jaiideen Rubi tied the game.

The game was played at a neutral site, Mesa High School, and both schools’ fans were vocal as the game became more tense.

After Desert Vista tied the game, neither team could break the 1-1 deadlock, sending the match into double overtime, which also ended scoreless and forced a penalty kick shootout.

In the shootout, both teams scored on their first five attempts. Then, Rams’ middle fielder Rafael Lopez Tirado’s kick was blocked by Thunder goalkeeper Caegen Terrell. On Desert Vista’s next attempt, Melo got a shot past Washington goalkeeper Josue Perales for the win.

“We knew (Washington) was going to be a good team, we didn’t play our first half, we were a little anxious, a little nervous,” said Desert Vista head coach Trent Elliot. “After halftime we made a few minor adjustments then we were able to find the back of the net.”

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