East High's celebration following its 3-0 first-round Class 4A boys' soccer playoff victory against Logan on Wednesday was equal parts jubilation and relief.
After sustaining bitter defeats in the previous two postseasons, the Leopards finally cleared their first-round hurdle.
"We've had some real heartbreakers," senior forward Blake Smith said, referring to losses to Woods Cross in 2008 and Lehi in 2009. "This feels really good. Especially to win our last home game."
East led 2-0 at halftime on goals by Hassan Osman and Smith. James Barker scored his team-high ninth goal of the season in the final minute.
The Leopards (11-4-2) advanced to Friday's quarterfinals and will play at Dixie (14-3-1), which routed Payson 10-0 Wednesday.
East goalkeeper Gavin Van Minde made two saves for his ninth shutout of the season. However, the game's best save was made by senior defender Jason Cook, who slid in behind Van Minde to turn away a sure Logan goal in the 15th minute.
"That was just my way of getting Gavin's back," Cook said. "We've been waiting to play this kind of defense all season. It's about time we get it done."
The Leopards have allowed just 12 goals in 17 games this season.
"Defense has been pretty solid all year," said East coach Rudy Schenk. "We kind of figured out what they were doing pretty early. After we settled down, I think our defense did pretty well."
The game was delayed nearly 40 minutes after Grizzlies junior forward Jameson Hartman broke his right leg in a collision with Van Minde.
Hartman was taken to Primary Children's Medical Center and was expected to undergo surgery.
The Grizzlies (11-5-1), who were making their Class 4A playoff debut after moving up from 3A last season, mustered little offense in the first half.
They pressured East's defense in the second half but managed just one real scoring chance, which Van Minde turned away. —
Highlights
R East wins its first playoff game since 2007 on goals by Hasaan Osman, Blake Smith and James Barker.
• Leopards goalkeeper Gavin Van Minde makes two saves to record his ninth shutout of the season.
• Logan's Jameson Hartman leaves the game in the second half with a broken leg.
