Kennedy scores early and often

CEDAR RAPIDS - It took all but 35 seconds for Cedar Rapids Kennedy to strike and set a pace in Thursday night's substate, semifinal match against Waterloo West.

After the opening goal, the Cougars were able to get out on top and never look back, scoring four goals in the first half and three in the second, defeating the Wahawks 7-0.

Kennedy Coach Mike Robertson called one of his players, Ryan Walker, a 'superstar” after knocking in two goals in the first half, only a minute within of each other.

'We figured they would play hard,” Robertson said. 'We just came out and played a great match.”

After jumping out to a 3-0 lead, the Cougars were able to set a tempo and, eventually dictate what the speed would be for the rest of the game. For the most part, Robertson said his team took some chances and played aggressively.

However, by the time they were out to a comfortable lead, the Cougars played a more reserved and contained defense.

'We've been working on it an awful lot, and in our last five or six games we've really found a scoring touch,” Robertson said. 'It was great to get an early goal and take the pressure off.”

The Cougars will be taking on the Warriors of Cedar Rapids Washington on Saturday.

Walker said it's a nice feeling to take on across-town rival Washington in the substate final. Kennedy is looking for revenge, he said, and plans to do it in front of a large, home crowd.

'It's going to be a great game,” Walker said. 'We're hoping to get revenge for that game earlier in the season. That was a great game then and I'm hoping for another great game on Saturday.”

Kennedy will play Washington on Saturday at noon at Kingston Stadium.

l Comments: stephen.koenigsfeld@thegazettecompany.com