Solon takes six straight in regional semifinal win over Iowa City Regina

The Spartans are heating up at the right time.

After knocking out Class 1A 12th-ranked Maquoketa, 3-1, in the regional quarterfinals on May 21, the Solon (11-6-2) girls’ soccer team kept its season alive — and momentum high — with a 3-2 semifinal win over Iowa City Regina (11-5-3) on Wednesday night.

The victory was the Spartans’ sixth straight.

“Our practices have been hard and focused, and I think this group is coming together and building momentum,” Solon Coach Amanda Paulson said. “I’m proud of them.”

Solon’s last loss came in a one-score contest at Class 2A No. 12 Marion on May 8.

One key to the Spartans’ hot streak is improved health.

“We've had players coming back, which is nice,” Paulson said. “That week, right before Marion, we had quite a few players out, so we had a really hard week. I think it made the girls really come together and focus as a group.”

An adjusted approach also has played a role in Solon’s recent run.

“I think our change in formation has been helpful,” Paulson said. “Getting into that 4-3-3, we’re attacking with at least five. That’s been key for us, switching out of that 4-4-2 standard.”

So is chemistry.

“Out of the three years I've been here, this is the best team dynamic we've had,” junior Sofia Ortega said. “I feel like all of us are getting along really well and connecting on the field more.”

Sophomore Laney Johnson put Solon on the board Wednesday, scoring her second goal of the season midway through the first half.

“Laney’s old school,” Ortega said. “She was like, ‘I’m getting a goal today.’ She had that grit in her today.”

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With 2:15 left in the first, Ortega lofted a beautiful cross to Addi Greene who converted for the score.

It was Ortega’s team-leading 15th assist — good for fifth in 1A.

“Ortega is our speed — a nonstop runner,” Paulson said. “She has this very calm presence to her when the ball is at her feet. It's very composed. It's very sleek. She's not afraid to take players to the line, and most of her assists have been from beating players to the line and getting crosses back to the PK spot and to goal.

“That's kind of our bread and butter.”

With 18:01 remaining, Laeni Hinkle tapped home a score to give the Spartans a seemingly comfortable 3-0 lead.

Regina senior Morgan Miller made things interesting, scoring goals at the 16:07 and 7:06 marks.

“I think I hit about 180 (beats per minute) — I might have had some alarms going off on my watch,” Paulson said with a chuckle. “I’m proud of them. They’re fighting and that’s all I can ask for.”

With the win, Solon is one victory away from its first state tournament appearance since 2016.

Standing in the Spartans’ way is No. 5 Hudson (17-2).

“I would say our biggest downfall is not communicating off the ball,” Paulson said. “If we can pick up that communication and give our teammates confidence when they're receiving the ball, to turn or know that they have pressure, I think that's going to go a long way.

“If we do that and maintain our composure, we can play good soccer.”

The Spartans and Pirates will kick off Friday at 5:30 p.m. in Hudson.