Sunday the 26th of June, the OPSL wrapped up it's 2011 spring season with yet another match showcasing talent and spirit few leagues across the country can say the have.

Each of the Men's Over 30 Finalist fought tightly contested games one week earlier, proving their league standing was an accurate gauge of their worthiness. IPS finished the season in first with a stellar 7-1-2 record having only fallen once to their final's opponent, second place PDX Reds. With the Open Division trophy already in their clutches, IPS were relishing the thought of holding a never before achieved club double.

A conservative start had both teams bobbing and weaving in an attempt to test the other's readiness. IPS used high pressure and nearly struck first with a classic baseline cut back to the penalty spot that forced the Reds keeper to making a tough save around the post. Minutes later, it seemed IPS was destined to take the lead when awarded a penalty kick for a foul inside the box, but once again, the Reds keeper, came through to keep the score level at zero.

And so it went, back and forth, each team taking turns until finally a mix up in the Reds backline provided Paul Murton, of IPS, the chance he needed to head home the game's first goal. Continuing to press, IPS had their opponents on the ropes several times but they were unable to crank the code and produce another goal.

For that matter, IPS was without a regular goalkeeper, and assigned the task to Paco Rubio. His agility and adept reading of the game served him well as he nipped many opportunities before they became menacing. Commenting later that he had, "played keeper as a youth", he handled one shot in particular, from very close range, as well as any seasoned net minder would hope to, holding the bullet close to his chest.

But true to their form, PDX Reds kept fighting until, with barely 3 minutes left, Rusty Sandusky, received a pass from a last gasp left side attack to finally even the score. The game would go to overtime.

The first overtime saw a chess match with players becoming tangled up in crushing challenges. Heat and fatigue took its toll as the game would remain tied 1-1. The second overtime brought more of the same until a free kick was awarded to IPS on the right side of the box. A cross to the goal saw the ball blocked and bouncing, eventually falling to the foot of a reassigned Rubio. From the top of the box he stuck the ball with the outside of his boot and curled the ball into the far right corner. A truly remarkable shot!

As the official's clock ticked, the Reds looked cooked with seconds only of extra time needing to melt away. Then as miraculous as it seems, Red's Sandusky did it again. Somehow managing to slip the ball past the newly assigned IPS keeper, Ryan Jespersen. Who was destined now? What kind of soccer time warp were we in?

Penalty kicks ensued and in the end, Ryan Jespersen came huge with, not one, but two saves! IPS enthusiastically rushed their newest savior and hoisted the trophy that puts them in a class by themselves. A tremendous battle worthy to be called a championship contest. Something the OPSL, Portland, and all of Oregon, can be proud of.