High school boys soccer: Extra-time penalty lifts Bountiful to first 5A title since 2013, 10th overall
May 22, 2026, 2:02 PM | Updated: 4:04 pm
HERRIMAN — Bountiful’s boys soccer team was 53 seconds away from a chance to win its first state title in 13 years via penalty shootout.
Cameron Martin didn’t want to wait that long.
The senior forward stepped up to the spot in the final minute of the second extra-time session, ripping a right-footed take into the upper 90 to give the Redhawks a 1-0 win over Maple Mountain in Friday’s 5A championship at Zions Bank Stadium.
It’s the program’s first state title since 2013, but the 10th in program history — tied with Alta for the most since the Utah High School Activities Association sanctioned boys soccer in 1983.
Like the rest of the Redhawks, Martin was well acquainted with the history. It’s why the forward pointed to the nine stars above the crest on his shirt — the ones above the Cor Unum slogan, latin for “One Heart.”
“We’re waiting for that 10th star,” he said. “We’re very aware that Bountiful was great, and now it’s up to us to add to those trophies.
The wait ended Friday.
Ezra Christiansen drew the match-winning penalty for fifth-seeded Bountiful, cutting inside from the left edge of the penalty area before drawing contact in the center of the box. The referee immediately pointed to the spot, but Christiansen didn’t get up.
View this post on Instagram
Good thing a day earlier, Martin essentially called his shot.
“We always end our training sessions with penalties, because you never know when you are going to need one,” Bountiful coach Gabe Johnson said. “Cam called his shot in practice yesterday and said, ‘If I get one, I’m going down the middle up top.’
“We all had confidence he was going to do what he said he was going to do,” the coach added.
The Redhawks (16-5) nearly won it in regulation a few times, including when Martin had a 21-yard free kick in the 71st minute that pushed just wide of the post.
Christiansen, who has committed to San Diego State, had another chance in the 80th minute, but as he drifted from the left side of the box toward the center his shot was tipped over the crossbar.
Bountiful had a pair of chances in the first half, but Ethan Antonino made two saves to keep Maple Mountain (15-6) even.
“The amount of times we could’ve scored and didn’t, it gets in your head. Anyone who tells you it doesn’t is a liar,” said Martin, who will commit Sunday to play from a group of schools that includes Division II Fort Lewis and Westminster. “It was very, very hard. But everyone was giving their voice and their mind, and that’s what a real family is.”
Johnson, too, knows the history of Bountiful soccer. The first-year head coach has been on staff with the Redhawks in both football and soccer for four years.
Bring another title to Bountiful “means everything,” he said.
“I’ve been very fortunate to be able to take over a program with a rich history, with so many great players that have come through and great people that support,” Johnson added. “It means the world that I get to be a part of this and to bring (a trophy) back to Bountiful.”
Please follow our Community Guidelines
