City High flashing signs of prowess

IOWA CITY - The new-look City High boys' soccer team may just have what it takes to seriously challenge for a state title.

The second-ranked Little Hawks showed tremendous speed, depth and daring Friday while putting away Cedar Rapids Washington, 4-2, at City High's field.

'We just wanted to continue our momentum from the Kennedy game,” City sophomore Rasmus Schlutter said. 'We played a really good game there and played with a lot of heart and kept it through this game.

'We have so much talent, and we have so many different kinds of players.”

City improved to 3-0 in Mississippi Valley Conference play and 5-0 overall. The Little Hawks have victories over Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Linn-Mar and Ankeny.

'We knew we were going to be really strong from the back midfield because of the attitude of the players and their technical ability. We just need to figure out the final part,” City High Coach Jose Fajardo said. 'Because we create a lot.”

The Warriors scored in the 12th minute on a header by Trevor Thulin.

Three minutes later, City answered on a header by Sarrive Rukakiza off a corner by Schlutter. City cashed in a penalty kick by Scott Tribbey after a handball in the box to lead 2-1 at halftime.

The Little Hawks extended the lead to 3-1 early in the second half on a goal by Schlutter off a cross from Gaby Baloci.

'Gaby was kind of rolling in, tucking in and out, in and out,” Schlutter said. 'He slides me the ball, a perfect ball.

'So it bounces around and I get my knee or side on it and it ricochets in.”

City High's Innocent Mugabo added a fourth goal in the 69th minute.

'I really like how the team in coming along,” Tribbey said. 'We graduated a couple of good guys and the young guys are stepping up, and that's really nice.”

Thomas Vogel scored the final goal for Washington (2-1, 3-3) in the 79th minute.