State champions often feature a difference-maker, that impactful player who carries the team against tougher opposition or who lifts it when others aren't at their best.
Here are five boys and girls soccer players who did that in the quarterfinals of the three state tournaments last week, players to keep an eye on in the semifinals and championship games starting Tuesday at U.S. Bank Stadium:
Boys
Jacob Dinzeo, Hill-Murray, senior: The midfielder had two goals and one assist as the Class 2A No. 2 Pioneers (15-3-2) ran away from Mahtomedi 6-2. He has 20 goals and 14 assists this year.
Lassi Koivukangas, Wayzata, senior: Koivukangas had two goals and one assist as the Class 3A No. 2 Trojans (18-0-2) shut out St. Michael-Albertville 5-0. The forward makes a formidable tandem with junior forward Aiden Judickas.
Gianluca Jones, Woodbury, senior: A forward, he netted his first hat trick of the season in a 6-0 victory over New Prague. Jones leads a balanced attack for the Class 3A No. 10 Royals (14-2-3).
Jack Stang, St. Cloud Cathedral, junior: Stang, a forward, scored both goals, the first coming on a header in the 47th minute, as the Class 1A No. 2 Crusaders (20-0-0) shut out Duluth Marshall 2-0. He has 25 goals and 14 assists this season.
Christopher Tree, Pine Island/Zumbrota-Mazeppa, senior: The midfielder was credited with a hat trick as the Class 1A No. 5 Wildcats (14-2-2) rolled to a convincing 5-0 triumph over St. Charles.