Alan Kim helps Cedar Rapids Kennedy boys’ soccer power past Dubuque Wahlert

CEDAR RAPIDS — Cedar Rapids Kennedy boys' soccer coach Adrian Evans calls forward Alan Kim, 'one of those kids that you just want all the best in the world for.'

The Kennedy junior has taken those well wishes and turned into one of the best soccer players in the Mississippi Valley Conference.

'He is just a special player,' Evans said after the Class 3A 10th-ranked Cougars defeated 2A No. 9 Dubuque Wahlert, 2-0, in an MVC match Friday night at Clark Field on the campus of Coe College. 'He is such a nice kid and he does everything well in practice. He gives everything he has got and as you can see, by the time the game is done he is gassed. He has got nothing left in the tank.'

Kim was a first team all-MVC selection last season when he led the Cougars with 11 goals. He got the scoring started for Kennedy (6-3, 2-1 MVC) in the 20th minute with his fifth goal of the season.

'I saw Reed (Foster) and I thought he was going to bury it,' Kim said. 'I knew I had to get to the back post just in case a deflection happened and sure enough it did. All credit to Holden (Devore) for a great pass to Reed.'

Though college is still two years away, on March 26 Kim verbally committed to continue his education and play soccer at Marquette. He plans to study biological sciences and eventually attend dental school.

Before the season, Kim was elected captain along with junior defender Curtis Ratzer.

'It is a great honor for me,' Kim said. 'It comes with a lot of responsibility.'

Devore tacked on a score in the 54th minute, which was also his fifth this season. Devore and Kim are tied for the team lead in goals scored.

Junior goalkeeper Sam Earl posted his second shutout in a row for Kennedy, which has won four of five matches, including three victories over ranked foes.

'We just have to keep focused,' Kim said. 'Our big thing is that we need to go to state.'

Wahlert is now 6-4, 1-1.

Boys' soccer

Class 3A No. 10 Cedar Rapids Kennedy 2, 2A No. 9 Dubuque Wahlert 0

Goals —

Alan Kim (5), Holden Devore (5).

l Comments: douglas.miles@thegazette.com