Aiden Hale and the Mustang Broncos knew their Bedlam rival would be out for blood.
After a shootout victory during the regular season, Mustang coach Jared Homer readied his squad to receive Yukon’s best shot, knowing the Millers were also healthy, unlike in mid-March.
But in front of a capacity crowd, including a bursting student section lined up in front of the stadium seating at the Mustang Soccer Complex, the Broncos and their star forward spoiled any plans of a Miller upset.
Hale recorded a playoff hat trick, scoring three goals, including two solo plays, in a 3-1 state playoff quarterfinals win over Yukon on Thursday night. His first goal tied the game late in the first half while his two scores in the final 40 minutes put the Millers away.
“To be able to come in here as a sophomore and score three goals… it’s a team win in a playoff game. That’s all that matters,” said Hale, whose first score evened the match with 5:46 remaining in the first half.
He sprinted to a frantic MHS student section with his shirt raised after a nice touch past the Yukon keeper.
Dillon Clymer (Sr.) tries to find the ball during Mustang’s 3-1 state playoff quarterfinals win over Yukon on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the Mustang Soccer Complex. Clymer and the Broncos take on Jenks at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the 6A semifinals. (Photo by Trey Hunter)
“The first one,” Hale said when asked which goal was his favorite. “Get it leveled and get the momentum going.”
Yukon scored its first goal with 10:47 remaining in the first half, but the game was mostly played in Mustang territory the rest of the way. The Broncos seemed to feed off the crowd and atmosphere as the game continued.
Hale’s second goal came off an assist from junior midfielder Aiden Jordan.
Jordan moved past a pair of YHS defenders and shimmied his way into space. He found a streaking Hale who smashed it past the Miller keeper once again, giving the Broncos a 2-1 lead with 22:59 remaining.
“It was a great team play,” Hale said. “Which is something we need to be doing the rest of the way and something we’ve worked on throughout the season. We’re starting to get it going, which is big.”
Mustang held momentum the rest of the game, capitalizing with Hale’s third goal with 6:44 remaining. As Yukon’s fans started to exit the stadium, the MHS student section was ready to storm the field.
They didn’t, but they wanted to.
Ian Padilla (Sr.) tries to work past a Yukon defender during Mustang’s 3-1 state playoff quarterfinals win on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the Mustang Soccer Complex. Padilla and the Broncos take on Jenks on Tuesday in the 6A semifinals at 7:30 p.m. (Photo by Trey Hunter)
Now, the Broncos turn their focus to the defending state champion Jenks Trojans, who they face on Tuesday night in the state semifinals at Jenks High School. Mustang defeated the Trojans 2-0 in the Jenks Tournament of Champions on March 1.
“This was emotional, and a lot of energy was exerted. It meant a lot to our guys and our fans to win this game,” Homer said of Thursday’s Bedlam victory. “Now it’ll be our job to get them focused and in the right frame of mind. We’ve done a good job of being competitive all season and we’ll continue to do that no matter what.”
The Broncos and Trojans kick off at 7:30 p.m.
