The Park Hill South boys’ soccer team poses for a picture after taking down Rock Bridge 2-0 in the Class 4 State Quarterfinals to advance to the Final Four for only the third time in program history on Nov. 11.
COLUMBIA – Having the chance to make it to the Class 4 Boys’ Soccer Final Four for the first time, Park Hill South (19-2-1) shut out Rock Bridge (18-7-3) in the state quarterfinals on Nov. 11.
In the history of the boys’ soccer program, Park Hill South has only made it to state in 1998 and 1999 when it was in Class 1A-3A. The Panthers took second place in 1998 and third place in 1999.
The road to the Class 4 Final Four was three home district games and a road game in the Class 4 State Quarterfinals. Park Hill South travelled over two hours, but the bus ride home was a happy one after a 2-0 victory.
The Bruins and the Panthers had zero matchups over the last 15 years but played twice in 2023. After tying 1-1 in the Rock Bridge Shootout on Oct. 21, the postseason rematch had a winner.
For the fourth time this postseason, Park Hill South struck first. Quinlan McNellis helped set the tone early with a goal in the 4th minute.
McNellis headed in a corner kick from Dante Toapanta to put Park Hill South up 1-0 early, which ended up being the halftime score. Toapanta not only walked away with an assist but also had a goal in the 54th minute.
Rock Bridge had scored a goal in 18 consecutive games, but Park Hill South didn’t allow its opponent to score on the day. Hayden Thatcher, Lucas Smith, Dillon DiBernardo, Asher Huffman, Jace Hubbard and Zack Adams all contributed defensively in the shutout.
The Class 4 Final Four will be at the World Wide Technology Soccer Park in Fenton, MO. In the semifinals, the Panthers will take on Lindbergh (22-5) on Nov. 17 at 4 p.m.
John Burroughs (18-5) and Rockhurst (22-0) – the 2-time defending state champions – are the other two teams remaining. The third-place game will be on Nov. 18 at 5 p.m. and the state championship will be on Nov. 18 at 7 p.m.