FARGO - (1W) Minot High's ND state quarterfinal match with (4E) G.F. Red River had an eerily similar tone to the Magicians' quarterfinal a year ago. It was getting late in the in the second half and the contest was scoreless.

This season, Minot High changed the script. Senior Grayson Steele booted a cross-pitch pass about 20 feet in front of the goal box. Teammate Tayson Solper won a 50-50 ball with a Red River defender. Solper then booted the ball past Red River goalie Aiden Schroeder.

The goal seemed to give the Magicians a collective sigh of relief. The squad looked more relaxed and started to carry the play over the final 25 minutes. Outside of a pair of consecutive corner kicks by Red River, Minot High was solid in its defensive positioning. Goalie Honur Amsbury played on his toes from the start, making some good reads on cross-play balls and getting angles on shots.

The 1-0 victory on Oct. 15 at Fargo North HS Field sends Minot to its first semifinal in two seasons, and avenges the 1-0 loss last year to Fargo Shanley. The Magi (15-0-2) has won their last 11 matches and will face either Bismarck High or WF Sheyenne in the semifinals.

Minot Magicians edged Grand Forks Red River 1-0 in the State Tournament Quarterfinals, improving to 15-0 overall. Red River dropped to 10-5-4 overall and will be in consolation play to close out its season.