The Gilbert boys soccer team captured the imagination of Iowa’s high school sports fans on June 4, 2026, as they edged Bishop Heelan 2-0 in the Class 2A state semifinals, securing a berth in the championship match.
A Rivalry That Defines a Generation
The victory marks the third time in four years that Gilbert has toppled Bishop Heelan on the biggest stage, having also prevailed in the 2023 semifinals, the 2024 semifinals and the previous year’s title game. The teams previously met in a 3-0 win earlier this season, underscoring a dominant head‑to‑head record.
Drew Chapman opened the scoring with a curling cross that slipped past a defender and into the net, while Preston Stensland doubled the lead just before halftime with a swift strike in the final minute of the first half. Both goals were set up by precise midfield play that left the opposition scrambling.
Gilbert’s defensive unit, anchored by Logan Harswick, Cole Crawford, Eli Hague and Bennett Holtz, recorded its 15th shutout of the campaign, preserving the clean sheet against a Heelan side that finished the season at 11‑7‑2.
Coach B.J. Jordison praised the team’s discipline and depth, noting that the blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent has been the hallmark of their 17‑1 run toward the championship.
Looking Ahead to the Title Game
The Rams now prepare to face their opponent in the state final, a match that will test their resilience after a season that has seen them dominate both offensively and defensively. With a 15‑shutout record and a potent attack led by Chapman and Stensland, Gilbert enters the final as a formidable contender.