We had a couple of things that didn’t go quite our way, but you know we’ll build up again for next year.”

Thunderbolts Head Coach Jeff Figlmiller

I’m very impressed with how far I’ve gone as a senior. I’m sure going to miss the team though since I’m pretty lucky to have them.”

Thunderbolts star goalie Logan Yannarelly

The South Washington Country Thunderbolts’ trip to the state tournament didn’t end in a title Saturday, but the Thunderbolts finished the season with smiles on their faces, nevertheless.
“I’m feeling pretty good, we finished the season off strong,” said Thunderbolts star goalie Logan Yannarelly, a senior at Park High School. “I’m very impressed with how far I’ve gone as a senior. I’m sure going to miss the team though since I’m pretty lucky to have them.”
Playing in the 2024 state adapted soccer CI bracket at White Bear Lake Area High School, the Thunderbolts lost in the first round of the tournament Friday to the Park Center Pirates by a 9-6 score. That pushed South Washington County into consolation play Saturday.
The Thunderbolts topped the St. Cloud Area Crush 9-4 in the first round of consolation play Saturday morning, then dropped an 8-5 decision to CI South regular-season champion Stillwater/Mahtomedi in the consolation championship.
It was the second time this season the Thunderbolts (6-5) fell to Stillwater/Mahtomedi (8-1-1), having lost a 6-5 decision in the season opener.
Brett Weden led the Thunderbolts with three goals in the consolation finals. Jordan Nde and Logan Curtis had one goal each. Brayden Curtis, Keria Walker, Nde and Logan Curtis had assists.
South Washington County had trouble stopping Stillwater/Mahtomedi’s Mason Mora-Clark, who scored seven of his team’s eight goals.
“It was a really good season,” said Thunderbolts head coach Jeff Figlmiller. “The kids came together really well. We draw from so many schools and there’s just so many things happening in everyone’s life and to be able to come together and play and everybody gets along great and to do a good job and whether it be with the parents or the kids or everybody, I mean it’s super. It’s just a blessing for us to have everybody together. I think it’s super cool.
“We did well in the tournament,” Figlmiller continued. “We had a couple of things that didn’t go quite our way, but you know we’ll build up again for next year. We only losing, as far as starters, our goalie. Everybody else is back. And we had a few eighth graders that are starting and did a good job for us. A couple of juniors who are going to be seniors next year. So, we’ve just got to hone in on who’s going to be our goalie and I think we can make a super strong run next year.”
The Dakota United Hawks edged Burnsville/Farmington/Lakeville 3-0 for the tournament title Saturday afternoon. South Washington Country dropped a tough 2-1 decision to Dakota United during the regular season.
As for Yannarelly, his future plans are already well mapped out.
“I’m planning to attend Inver Hills Community College to get my generals done and then transfer to the UW-RF to study music and composition. I either want to be a music teacher or a composer.”