MHSAA STATE FINALS: Kropp’s Moment of Faith Delivers Leland State Title in Emotional Finish

Jonathan Turner
Nov 3, 2025
3 min read

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In the defining moment of his high school career, Leland senior Howie Kropp stepped up to the penalty spot with the weight of his team — and his father’s memory — on his shoulders.

As the Division 4 State Final came down to a shootout against Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett, Kropp, who had never taken a penalty kick in his high school career, found himself with a chance to win Leland its first championship since 2018. Instead of focusing on pressure or nerves, his thoughts turned to his late father — the man who first introduced him to soccer and coached him as a child.

Trusting in that connection, Kropp placed the ball, took a breath, and delivered the title-clinching goal. The shot sealed a 4-2 shootout victory (2-1 overall) and sparked a celebration years in the making for the Comets.

A Moment Years in the Making

Kropp’s journey to that kick was far from conventional. For three years, he played as a goalkeeper before transitioning to the field as a senior — and he entered the championship game still searching for his first goal of the season.

Head coach Rob Sirrine had confidence that Kropp’s time would come. Even as the season wore on without a score, Sirrine kept reminding him that an important goal was waiting somewhere down the road. When the championship went to penalties, Sirrine didn’t hesitate to make Kropp his fifth and final shooter.

That faith paid off. When the moment arrived, Kropp — calm but emotional — delivered the finish that lifted his team to glory. His quiet belief and connection to his father guided him through the pressure, turning an ordinary penalty kick into a lasting tribute.

Comets Rise Behind Steady Leadership

The final was a tense, balanced battle from start to finish. Leland struck first midway through the first half when Adrian Spencer converted off a pass from Jose Roman, placing his shot inside the far post to make it 1-0.

Liggett responded before halftime as sophomore Sekou Manneh pounced on a loose ball outside the box and fired home the equalizer to even things at 1-1. From there, both defenses held strong through regulation and overtime, setting up a shootout that would determine the state’s smallest-school champion.

In goal, senior keeper Ravello Smith came up huge for Leland, making two crucial saves in the shootout — including one in the opening round that gave the Comets early momentum. Ignacio Creamer, Weston Burda, and Spencer all converted their chances, setting the stage for Kropp’s unforgettable winner.

Bright Future for Liggett

While the loss stung, University Liggett head coach David Dwaihy left the field optimistic about his team’s trajectory. His roster, built largely around talented freshmen and sophomores, showed poise well beyond its years. The Knights, chasing their first state title since 1999, displayed technical skill and composure throughout the tournament — traits that suggest they’ll be back on the big stage soon.

Dwaihy emphasized how proud he was to see his younger players handle the pressure of a championship match and battle to the very end.

Faith, Family, and a Finish to Remember

When the final kick hit the back of the net, Kropp let the moment wash over him. The emotions, the years of effort, and the memory of his father all came together in one perfect instant — a storybook ending to his Leland career.

He had never scored a goal before that night, but his first could not have come at a better time. Guided by faith and family, Kropp helped the Comets reach the summit once more — proof that sometimes, the most unforgettable moments in sports are the ones written straight from the heart.

Final Score

Leland 2, University Liggett 1 (4-2 PKs)

🏆 Leland captures its first state championship since 2018, as senior Howie Kropp’s emotional shootout winner cements a night the Comets — and their community — will never forget.

MHSAA BOX SCORE