ROCHESTER — The Austin boys soccer team shook off some bad recent title game memories as they broke through and topped Rochester Lourdes 2-1 in the Section 1A title game in RCTC Tuesday.

Lourdes (13-4-3 overall) had a chance to grab early momentum, but it missed a penalty kick just 30 seconds into the game. Austin was quick to respond as Lonyjera Okal connected on a 35-yard free kick to put the Packers up 1-0 with 28:58 left in the first half and Okal made it 2-0 when he scored on a breakaway on an assist from Kevin Ortiz with 35 seconds left in the first half.

The Eagles pulled to within 2-1 when Colton Praska scored with 31:07 left in the game, but Lourdes was never able to get the equalizer as the Packers (17-0-2 overall) controlled possession.

“I think both sides played very well,” Austin head coach Jens Levisen said. “They definitely had a plan of attack for us and it was a different team from the regular season. They applied pressure and they moved the ball around, but at the same time our guys played well.”

With the win, Austin will play in its first Minnesota Class A State Tournament since 2009 next week.

Austin senior midfielder OJ Cham has been a part of some excruciating Section 1A title game losses with Austin, including a 1-0 loss to Northfield last year and a 1-0 overtime loss to Lourdes two years ago. The Packers had lost the last three Section 1A title games, but now it was finally Cham’s turn to celebrate with his teammates.

“We do it for our cousins, our friends and our brothers that couldn’t get past this game,” Cham said. “It’s been an obstacle for us four years and we just wanted to get this over with and go to state. We did this for our town.”

Few have a better perspective on what it takes to get to state than Austin senior keeper Josh Brehmer, who had seven saves, including a couple of key diving stops, in the win. Josh saw his older brother Jacob make it to state with the Packers in 2009 and he also saw his holder brothers Noah and Nick play for the Packer boys soccer team.

Josh was in the crowd when Jacob’s Packers beat Rochester Lourdes in 2009.

“I remember that game and there’s been so many Austin teams that have been here,” Josh said. “We just wanted to get past Lourdes. They’ve always been the team that’s kind of been our big brother. It means a lot that we’re able get past them and go to state.”

Now Josh has a little bragging rights in a family that has a strong connection to Austin soccer.

“All four us brothers have played on this field in this exact same game and its also a little bit of bragging rights to be able to win,” Josh said. “We’re pretty competitive and Jake was always the one to lay it over everybody’s heads.”

The Packers have stayed unbeaten this year due to solid work ethic and strong team bond. Austin has put the team above all and it has played unselfish soccer throughout the year.

“We have chemistry and we like playing together,” Cham said. “We know when it’s game time and when it’s play time.”

Austin finished with the game with 16 shots on goal.

The only damper on Austin’s win came as the final seconds ticked off the clock and a few players took off their jerseys to celebrate. All three were given yellow cards and unfortunately for Austin, Ortiz’s card was his second, which means he will have to sit out in the state quarterfinals.

While the call was a tough one for the Packers, Levisen said the officials had a right to make it and he wasn’t against it.

“The guys got excited,” Levisen said. “It’s the right call.”

The Minnesota Class A state soccer quarterfinals will begin next week at a time and place to be determined. The semifinals are in US Bank Stadium at noon and 2 p.m. on Oct. 30 and the championship game is in US Bank Stadium 10 a.m. on Nov. 2.