North Fayette Valley breaks through with first win at boys’ state soccer tournament

DES MOINES — North Fayette Valley’s fifth season as a varsity boys’ soccer program will forever be remembered.

The third-ranked TigerHawks rallied for their first state tournament victory, 2-1 over No. 7 West Sioux in a Class 1A quarterfinal Wednesday at Cownie Soccer Park.

“We’ve been working very hard for this moment, and it feels really good,” NFV Coach Ignacio Fuentes said. “In 2021 and 2022, we made it to state, but we never got past the quarterfinals. Now it’s our time to be there. It’s a very good feeling.”

Oscar Robles delivered the Falcons (12-4) a 1-0 lead by tapping in a cross less than seven minutes into the game, but NFV (16-3) recovered quickly.

Andre Fuentes followed up a missed penalty kick and scored with 29:34 left in the first half, then Lincoln Aeschliman — who drew the PK — fed Brody Schupbach for the go-ahead goal less than three minutes later.

“This team has a lot of heart,” Ignacio Fuentes said. “We wanted to win very hard and we didn’t fall down when we saw their goal come in. Instead, that fired us up to just go out there and score goals.”

Trey Frieden saved a 59th-minute penalty kick and NFV held on in its third trip to state.

“That was huge,” Ignacio Fuentes said. “We couldn’t give them any more time than what we gave them.”

The TigerHawks will face No. 2 Iowa City Regina (16-3) in Friday’s semifinals at Drake Stadium. Kickoff will take place at 7 p.m.

The Regals beat No. 8 Hudson on Wednesday, 3-0.

“I think we’re going to fight very hard in the semifinals to make the championship game and have a chance for the title,” Ignacio Fuentes said. “Today was a huge step for us. It’s very surreal. We’re here and we’re going to do our best to make it all the way.”