Sandy • Behind two goals from Emanual Hurtado and a standout performance from goalkeeper Du Nguyen, Juan Diego advanced to the 3A soccer final by blanking Desert Hills 3-0.

Hurtado found the net in the 26th minute off a beautiful feed from Skyler Doran, then struck again in the 54th minute to give the Soaring Eagle a 2-0 lead.

"I feel great right now. I don't think I could feel any better," Hurtado said.

Early on, it was the defense of the Soaring Eagle that may have saved the day. Desert Hills advanced a scoring opportunity into the box, only to have the first shot blocked by keeper Nguyen, before a second shot was saved on a header from Juan Diego defender Anthony Martinez.

"Not going down one goal at that point was huge for us," said Juan Diego coach Scott Platz. "Our defensive shape wasn't good early, but it improved as the game went on and our guys just kept fighting."

The 15-2-1 Soaring Eagle have been on a roll since entering the playoffs, outscoring the opposition 18-0 in wins over Morgan, Union and now Desert Hills.

Platz said the late-season run might be traced to a loss to Ben Lomond in mid-April.

"The guys on this team haven't enjoyed a lot of success in their careers, and I think we got a little big-headed," he said. "The whole team is playing great right now, and tomorrow is no time to let up."

Wasatch 3, Delta 1 • After losing to Judge Memorial 2-1 in last year's 3A title match, the Wasatch Wasps were determined to get another crack at a state title.

Wasatch showed off its high-powered offensive attack with first-half goals from Alex Espinoza, Devon Hall and Mike Brown as the Rabbits trailed 3-0 at intermission.

"We've had a mantra this season of score early and score often," said Wasatch coach Dwain Wheatly. "We're just thrilled and excited to be going back to the championship game, and everyone is hoping the trophy won't be silver this year. "Wasatch and Juan Diego will meet for the 3A title on Saturday at Rio Tinto stadium at 1:30 p.m. —

Championship

P Juan Diego vs. Wasatch

Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy