MHSAA STATE FINALS:Portage Central Secures First State Title Behind Thorhallsson’s Dominant Performance

Jonathan Turner
1 day ago
2 min read

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Portage Central goalkeeper Gunnar Thorhallsson proved once again why he’s been regarded as one of the top players in Michigan this season, leading the Mustangs to their first-ever Division 1 Boys Soccer State Championship with a 1-0 shootout win (4-2 PKs) over Ann Arbor Huron on Saturday night.

At 6-foot-8 with a wingspan stretching over seven feet, Thorhallsson’s imposing frame could easily suggest a basketball background—but soccer is where he’s truly found his place. Once a basketball player himself, Thorhallsson committed fully to soccer, and that decision has carried Portage Central to new heights.

In the championship match, he delivered one of the best performances of his career. Facing constant pressure, Thorhallsson made 11 saves in regulation and overtime, then stopped another shot in the penalty shootout while forcing a second Huron attempt wide. His combination of reach, positioning, and quick reflexes kept Central alive through tense moments and ultimately sealed the program’s first state title.

Head coach Tim Halloran has long recognized Thorhallsson’s impact, often noting how the team’s success relied on his ability to come through in critical situations. That trust paid off one final time under the bright lights in Grand Ledge.

Mustangs Finish the Job in Penalty Kicks

After a scoreless 100 minutes, the championship came down to penalty kicks. Both teams converted in the opening round before Thorhallsson’s stop in the second gave the Mustangs the advantage. Max Bailey followed with a composed finish to make it 2-1. As the shootout continued, Marshall Neumann and Jayce Handley added goals for Central, while a late Huron miss set off a celebration years in the making.

The victory capped an undefeated 24-0-2 season, a fitting end for a senior class that had grown together since their early days in the program. For many of them, the journey from inexperienced freshmen to state champions was the product of steady development, strong coaching, and a bond that only strengthened with time.

‘Strap City’ Locks It Down

Despite being outshot 20-9, Portage Central’s defensive unit—nicknamed “Strap City” by its players—delivered another commanding effort. The group’s confidence, communication, and discipline frustrated opposing attacks all year long, and Saturday was no different. Every clearance, tackle, and block reflected a team-wide commitment to defense that defined their unbeaten run.

Thorhallsson and his backline prided themselves on shutting down opportunities and denying opponents any space to operate. That mentality carried through every minute of the championship and proved decisive once again.

A Historic Night for Both Programs

While the night belonged to Portage Central, Ann Arbor Huron walked away with plenty to be proud of. The River Rats reached their first Finals appearance in program history and pushed one of the state’s most complete teams to the brink. Head coach Luis Gomez-Dominguez praised his team’s effort and acknowledged Thorhallsson’s ability as a difference-maker whose reflexes and presence couldn’t be measured by statistics.

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