They knew each other well.

So it came as no surprise that Central Region foes Northwest Christian and the Phoenix Country Day Eagles went to overtime without scoring a goal in regulation. But the Eagles are the defending 3A boys soccer champ for a reason.

Three of Phoenix Country Day’s veterans finally helped their team break through Northwest Christian’s stingy defense. It happened in the first 10 minute overtime session, when the defending champ scored twice Saturday at Westwood High.

That’s all Phoenix Country Day needed to clinch the 3A crown for the fourth time in the past six seasons. On defense, goalkeeper Parker Milliken and crew did their job as well, securing Phoenix Country Day’s 12th clean sheet against 3A opponents this season.

“They (Northwest Christian) are good,” Phoenix Country Day coach Andy Rodin said. “Our boys have been amazing all year. We are loaded with seniors.”

Jonah Kaplan, one of the 12 seniors on Rodin’s squad, helped set up the first goal.

The senior was a scoring and assist machine during his career, reaching the 100 mark in each category. Kaplan’s final assist of his high school career went to another leader, sophomore Jake Gregory, in the 84th minute.

Gregory’s left-footed shot from close range had enough pace to get by goalkeeper Bryce Medina. About two minutes later, another senior, Alex Sondergaard, one-timed a shot passed the surging Medina while inside the box.

Phoenix Country Day’s goals came on its 14 and 15th shots of the match. But Sondergaard’s night ended early.

Right after his goal, he was sent off with a red card for taunting. But Milliken’s defense held firm despite being a man down in the final 14-plus minutes.

Despite the two overtime goals, Medina had an outstanding match for Northwest Christian and blocked two point-blank shots late in regulation. Phoenix Country Day (15-3) didn’t concede a goal in the state tournament and scored 20 goals in four postseason matches.

Northwest Christian (15-5) was the first 3A team to take the two-time defending 3A champ to overtime this season. Northwest Christian's roster was filled with football players and only two club soccer players. 

“My boys battled,” Northwest Christian coach Jeremy Witt said. “They executed our game plan like we wanted them to. We played them hard. We did what we needed to do. Unfortunately we didn’t come out on top.”

Northwest Christian put up a good fight during Saturday's 3A title tilt at Westwood High. Photo by Jose Garcia/azpreps365.com