Gardendale Makes History by Upsetting No. 2 Mountain Brook in the 6A Quarterfinals

Seventh-ranked Gardendale upset No. 2 Mountain Brook 3-1 on Thursday night in a thrilling AHSAA Class 6A quarterfinal matchup that was full of clutch goals, lightning delays, and high-stakes intensity.

Gardendale Makes History by Upsetting No. 2 Mountain Brook in the 6A Quarterfinals

Mikey Pribyl of Gardendale scored the game-winning goal, his second of the evening, with eight minutes remaining in the game tied, guaranteeing the Rockets their first-ever trip to the AHSAA boys state soccer playoffs.

A fan near the sidelines remarked, "This win was not just a game-changer—it is a program-changer," shortly after the final whistle.

The Rockets' Historic First

This victory for Gardendale (20-3-2) was more than simply a grueling upset; it was a turning point. For the first time in the program's history, the Rockets are making their way to the AHSAA state soccer tournament, and they are doing it with style and significant speed.

They will play the winner of the Randolph vs. Southside-Gadsden game on Friday in the Huntsville semifinals the following week.

Crucial Scenes from the Game

Pribyl scored again, this time off a deft pass from Chris Bean, to give Gardendale a 2-1 lead in a tight second half as Mountain Brook played down a man following a second yellow card.

Wyatt Chandler added an extra goal that virtually ended Mountain Brook's run with a calm penalty kick with just over four minutes remaining.

A lightning delay that stopped play halfway through the first half also caused the match to be suspended for more than ninety minutes. However, Gardendale maintained its spark when play restarted.

Class 1A/3A Boys: Tuscaloosa Academy Wins a Close Battle Against Altamont

In other quarterfinal action, sixth-ranked Tuscaloosa Academy defeated Altamont 3-2 at home to secure a spot in the Class 1A/3A semifinals.

The Knights relied on senior Simon Mitrev, who added the third goal, and sophomore sensation Anton Schmidt, who scored two goals. Although the scores were extremely close, Tuscaloosa's poise in the last third proved to be the difference.

They will then play the victor of Friday's 7:30 p.m. matchup between No. 4 Houston Academy and No. 5 Providence Christian.

Class 1A/3A Girls Quarterfinal Highlights:

Donoho (21-0) defeated Glencoe (9-1) 5-1 to continue their undefeated season.

Class 4A:

In a thrilling 3-2 match, St. 

The 2025 AHSAA State Soccer Championships: What Comes Next?

The field is rapidly getting smaller as the semifinals approach. This year's tournament has already been characterized by upsets, shutouts, and heroics at the last minute. The road to the 2025 AHSAA State Soccer Championships promises even more pyrotechnics with a number of games yet to play.

Watch as the best high school soccer teams in Alabama strive for glory, history, and a chance.