Marko Migambi’s hat trick helps Iowa City West boys’ soccer top Cedar Rapids Washington

IOWA CITY — Iowa City West boys' soccer coach Brad Stiles believes sophomore forward Marko Migambi suffered the first slump of his career over the past two weeks.

Consider the slump busted.

'It is good to see him smile again,' Stiles said after Migambi recorded a hat trick in a 4-0 victory for the Class 3A sixth-ranked Trojans over No. 7 Cedar Rapids Washington in a Mississippi Valley Conference match Tuesday night at West High School. 'So good for him.'

Migambi broke a scoreless tie with a goal in the 44th minute off an assist from junior midfielder Tomas Sanchez. Just four minutes later, Migambi gathered a pass from junior forward Micah Frisbie and with his back to the goal, lofted a rainbow over the Washington goalkeeper for a 2-0 advantage.

'For me, it was to be patient and look how the defenders are and how I can beat them and score,' Migambi said.

After senior forward Joshua Jasek scored his first goal of the season in the 55th minute, Migambi completed the hat trick via a penalty-kick conversion with 17:32 left in the match.

Migambi now leads the Trojans with four goals this season, which surpassed the three he posted last season as a freshman. A native of the Republic of the Congo in Africa, Migambi emigrated to the United States from Malawi with his mother, sister and cousins just two years ago.

His adjustment to American soccer has been a successful one.

'It is organized and I like how it is,' Migambi said. 'I very (much) enjoy it.'

The victory was the fifth in a row for West (5-1, 3-0 MVC), which will host No. 9 Johnston on Saturday, its fifth ranked 3A foe already this season.

'I challenged these guys today as far as their preparation,' Stiles said. 'I was hoping we could get one a little bit early like most coaches do … But they fixed it at half.'

The loss snapped a five-match win streak for Washington (5-2, 3-1), which could get two-time first team all-state selection Keaton Woods back in the lineup as early as Friday after injuring his right knee on March 28 in the preseason jamboree at Kingston Stadium.

Boys' soccer

AT IOWA CITY WEST

Class 3A No. 6 Iowa City West 4, No. 7 Cedar Rapids Washington 0

Goals —

Marko Migambi 3 (4), Joshua Jasek (1).

l Comments: douglas.miles@thegazette.com