By Chad G Peetey
Boise State’s Gritty Battle Through the Bracket: A Path to Day 2
The road to success in the CRL Spring 2025 Qualifier #3 was anything but easy for Boise State. Facing a gauntlet of tough competitors, the Broncos navigated through the bracket with resilience, determination, and raw talent. Over the course of 21 games played in a single day, Boise State proved that they had the endurance and mental toughness to survive and advance.
Boise State started strong in the Winner’s Bracket, making quick work of Texas State Academy in a 2-0 sweep before dismantling Waukesha County Technical College with another clean 2-0 performance. Their momentum continued with decisive victories over Southern New Hamshire University and Burros Blancos IPN, proving they were one of the top teams in the tournament. However, a heated battle against Maryville University in the Winner’s Semi-Final saw the Broncos stumble, falling 1-3 and dropping them to the Loser’s Bracket.
With their tournament lives on the line, Boise State refused to back down. First, they faced Fisher Pescados, a team riding a wave of momentum from their own Loser’s Bracket run. The Broncos made a statement, shutting them out with a dominant 3-0 victory. Next, they took on UNC Charlotte, a formidable squad that had upset some top contenders earlier in the bracket. Preston Ferrante was a dominant force in this match, overwhelming UNC Charlotte with relentless pressure and mechanical precision. The result? Another 3-0 sweep that pushed Boise State even closer to a Day 2 appearance.
The Loser’s Final pitted them against Mizzou, a battle-hardened team with everything on the line. The series was a slugfest, each team trading wins and refusing to back down. But in Game 4, tied in the closing seconds, it was Cade “Wuzy” Hall who delivered the moment of the day. With a jaw-dropping last-second goal, Wuzy sealed the 3-1 series victory, putting the Tigers away once and for all.
Throughout the day, Emiliano “Durtho” Flores was clutch, making key saves, setting up teammates, and delivering in the high-pressure moments that defined Boise State’s run.
Doc Haskell was thrilled with their finish. With a chance to qualify for the Spring Championship now within reach, Boise State proved that they weren’t just contenders—they were a force to be reckoned with.
“I could not be more proud of our team. This CRL season has been harder than anyone expected. Top 8 out of 500+ teams is where we belong. Today we got it.” – Doc Haskell, Head Coach