Decorah falls to Perry in shootout, CPU challenges No. 1 Gilbert in 2A boys’ state soccer quarterfinals

DES MOINES — A matchup featuring two of the top scoring teams in Class 2A came down to defense, grit and penalty kicks.

Ninth-ranked Perry outlasted third-rated Decorah, 2-1, with a 4-3 advantage in penalty kicks Wednesday in the Iowa high school boys’ state soccer tournament quarterfinals.

The Bluejays (11-5) entered the contest tied for seventh in 2A in goals scored (63) with Decorah right behind at 59. Perry will face Davenport Assumption in Friday’s semifinals after the Knights took down No. 2 Glenwood, 4-0.

It was a bitter end to what otherwise was an incredible season for the Vikings (14-4), who reached the state tournament for the first time since 2010.

“It’s very special,” Decorah acting coach Andrew Davis said. “The most special part was how many seniors were involved that have been part of the program for four years.

“They led, they fought, they gave it their all every single day. And that hard work is what made it special.”

Senior Jeramiah Rediske put Decorah on the board with 5:37 remaining in the first half. The Buena Vista commit ran down a pass and drilled a shot past the keeper.

“He’s (Rediske’s) very special. He’s willing to work every single day,” Davis said. “He leads by example, which is why he’s improved so well over the last few years. He’s out there just giving 100 percent all of the time, whether it’s practice or games.”

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The Vikings were issued two yellow cards in first half. The second card came near the 35th minute, meaning Decorah went into the second half down temporarily a man.

“We played the majority of the game a man down,” Davis said. “It can be difficult, but once again, they never gave up and that’s what I’m grateful for.”

Decorah held its own until 76th minute, when Perry scored on a putback.

After a pair of scoreless overtime periods, the shootout came down to the Vikings’ last attempt. A miss gave Perry the win.

“The guys kicked butt the entire season,” Davis said. “The supporters, the fans have been phenomenal. Thank you to everyone who’s supported us, and thank you to the coaches and players. It’s a great season.”

CPU is highly competitive against No. 1 Gilbert

An impressive season came to end Wednesday for Center Point-Urbana.

The Stormin’ Pointers fell to top-ranked and defending state champion Gilbert, 2-1, in the Class 2A quarterfinal round.

It was CPU’s second consecutive year reaching the state tournament and fourth appearance in school history.

“This run has been indescribable,” CPU Coach Curtis Cassidy said. “They came into the season with one goal — to get to state. They all put a lot of burden on their shoulders and carried it all together.”

Gilbert jumped out to a hot start with early goals from Preston Stensland and Tyler Holtan.

CPU didn’t fold. Brody Behrens scored off a Will Cardo free kick to cut the lead in half early in the second.

“I think the first half we were a little slow, but the second half we kind of settled back in and we had them on their heels,” Cassidy said.

The Tigers (18-0) will meet No. 5 Sioux City Heelan (15-3) in Friday’s semifinals.

The Stormin’ Pointers (11-5) had an impressive overtime win against No. 7 AP-DNH in the substate finals to get here.

“They take pride in wearing the CPU logo on their chest,” Cassidy said. “And that second half, they came out and that’s what they proved to themselves.”