The Emery Spartans soccer season came to a close with a 2-1 setback to the Maeser Prep Lions in the opening round of the 3A State Championship Tournament Wednesday afternoon in Lindon.

Trailing 2-1 at the end of the first half, the Spartans were unable to breakthrough the stingy Lions defense. The score remained the same throughout the second half, leading to the Maeser Prep win.

Emery’s Brock Winter found the back of the net to record the team’s lone goal. The score runs Winter’s final goal total to 12 in 15 games this season, including one hat trick against South Sevier on March 28.

Gage Decker and Jaxson Clubb each scored one goal for Maeser Prep in the win. The victory marks the fourth in five games for the Lions.

After winning four of the first six region games this season, the Spartans fell on hard times. A three-game losing skid in the middle of April dropped the team out of region championship contention. Emery did end the lengthy losing streak with a 3-2 over Richfield to close out the regular season.

Entering the Tournament as the No. 4 seed from Region 14, the Spartans were paired up with the Lions, the No. 2 seed from Region 14. Maeser will now move on to face Summit Academy, the No. 1 seed from Region 13, this Saturday.

While five Region 15 teams entered the state tournament, only two survived the opening round. Grand defeated Carbon 3-1 and Manti edged Delta 3-2. North Sanpete and Richfield also suffered losses as both teams were shutout.

Stay tuned to Castle Country Radio for a complete recap of the 2019 season. Head coach Troy Winter will join KOAL’s Drive Time Sports Friday afternoon to talk about Wednesday’s loss and the complete season.