Redemption has been the theme of the Class 5A state tournament for Palo Verde’s boys soccer team.

Palo Verde first defeated Northern champion Hug in Friday’s state semifinals after Hug had knocked the Panthers out of the last two state tournaments.

Then Palo Verde got another shot at Arbor View on Saturday for the state title after the Aggies won the Southern Region title on a penalty shootout a week ago on the Panthers’ homefield.

The rematch went Palo Verde’s way as the Panthers, the South’s No. 2 seed, played strong defense and got a goal from Mateo DeCastroverde to beat Southern Region champion Arbor View 1-0 and win the 5A state title Saturday at Faith Lutheran.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” Palo Verde coach Scott Hunt said. “These kids showed so much grit, I don’t even know what to say.…