The Hazen boys soccer team beat Columbia River 2-1 Saturday to advance to the 3A state tournament for the first time since 2007.

“This team really turned around,” said Hazen coach Ken Matthews. “That Tyee game was so critical. Something happened to this team in that game.”

The Highlanders (9-5-4) tied Tyee 1-1 April 3. After that game, the team went 5-1 in league play to finish the year, and now has won two straight playoff games to make state.

On Saturday, the teams played a scoreless first half and Jalen Conway broke open the scoring 15 minutes into the second half by heading in a shot to put Hazen up 1-0. Conway scored again minutes later to the Highlanders a 2-0 lead.

“Jalen, holy cow, came out of nowhere,” Matthews said.

Columbia River added a late goal when Hazen goalkeeper Freddie Jeronimo made a great stop on a penalty kick, but the Chieftans kept at it and sank a shot seconds later.

The Highlanders won the 3A tournament in 2007. Their only other state appearance came in 2005.