#6 Hamilton's 2-1 triumph over #11 Mesa High in Saturday's opening round of the 6A boys state soccer tournament had a familiar ring to it, according to coach Lance Thompson. 

"If you've followed us, we've had a tendency to get an early goal," Thompson said. "We were wary of Mesa. You don't win 20 games by accident."

The first goal, tallied in the 6th minute, was no surprise given the tendency Thompson mentioned. It was, however, the second late in the first half that proved decisive and sends the #6 Huskies to the quarterfinals.

 Hamilton, which did not qualify for state last year in the COVID-marred season, will travel to face San Luis on Tuesday at 6 p.m. #3 San Luis eliminated Westwood, 9-1. Mesa, which finished a 20-4, battled to the end. The Jackrabbits made Hamilton sweat the final minutes by scoring their lone goal in the 72nd minute.

Hamilton's first goal came via an assist by Gilberto Rivera with leading-scorer Vincent Acosta finding the back of the net for his 23rd goal of the season. The second goal was off a throw-in in the 36th minute. Nick Leblanc handled the throw-in - a short hop a yard so from the near-post. Two Hamilton players were there with Erick Romero nudging the ball past Mesa keeper Jordan Hagen.

Mesa's Kevin Ortiz tallied Mesa's goal off a cross to the far post that beat Hamilton keeper Hayden Darst. 

Mesa keeper Jordan Hagen secures a Hamilton shot in the second half of a 2-1 playoff loss. (Azpreps365 photo)