Experience shows

DES MOINES - Dubuque Wahlert is no stranger to the state tournament. That experienced showed in a comfortable 4-1 win over No. 8 seed Clear Creek-Amana Thursday in a Class 2A first-round game.

Clear Creek-Amana's Bryan Marmolejo (21, left) watches as Dubuque Wahlert's Jack Hoy (11) takes control of the ball in the first period of their Class 2A quarterfinal game at the state soccer tournament on Thursday, May 31, 2012, at Cownie Soccer Complex in Des Moines. (Liz Martin/The Gazette-KCRG)

The Golden Eagles were composed and organized, constantly communicating with each other.

“We've been here for two years now,” Coach Justin McCord said. “We take care of ourselves, make sure that they're ready to go. Making sure they're mentally focused is probably the most important part.”

Midfield Sam Koenig was the man-of-the match for the Golden Eagles. He scored two goals, one off a free kick and one from the penalty spot, and almost had a third when he struck the crossbar from a free kick.

Raj Mehta and Shane Broderick scored as well.

Clear Creek-Amana had some very pretty plays on offense with quick ball movement and ball moves. But too often the offense was bogged down by players taking too many touches, allowing Wahlert's defense to adjust.

Austin Mussig was the lone goal scorer for the Clippers.

Wahlert will play ADM at 2:30 p.m. Friday in the semifinals.