Rivalry win propels determined Iowa City West boys’ soccer team into postseason

IOWA CITY — Wednesday served as one final tune-up before postseason play begins for the Iowa City West and Iowa City High boys’ soccer teams.

It appears the Trojans are primed for peak performance.

Class 4A No. 4 West (17-2) defeated No. 10 City High (10-3), 4-1, at the University of Iowa Soccer Complex.

“With the huge crowd tonight, the beautiful field, it being a rivalry game and winning by three goals, it just creates good memories,” West leading scorer Daniel Fuentes said. “I think after this game, we feel confident going into substate.”

Kaleab Wendy got the ball rolling for West, literally, chasing down a pass and scooting it forward for a goal at the 36:41 mark.

Just 2:29 later, Fuentes knocked another score through, giving West a 2-0 lead less than six minutes into the contest.

“I think we've worked together really well to create a lot of good chances and we've put a decent amount of them in the back of the net,” Fuentes said. “It's just teamwork and a lot of practice.”

Junior Liam Teghanemt added a goal off a rebound with 3:18 left in the first.

It was a strong first half for 4A’s top offense. The Trojans lead the class with 75 goals scored this season.

“I wasn't planning on being up 3-0 at halftime, so that caught me off guard a little bit,” Iowa City West Coach Brad Stiles said. “But I think we had it right as far as some of the ideas to attack.

“I'm proud of those guys for listening and being coachable.”

City High’s Lucas Reilly got the Little Hawks on the board with 17:59 remaining.

West responded late as Manny Medina found the net on an assist from Fuentes with 6:56 to go.

Wednesday’s win was the fifth consecutive in the series for the Trojans.

Both teams now turn their attention to the substate play, which begins on Monday.

“I think we are (ready for the postseason),” Stiles said. “They showed me a little bit more character than I thought they had last Saturday (1-0 double-overtime loss at No. 1 Johnston) and dealt with some adversity in the second half. We got out of here healthy, too, so that's huge.”

West will host Dubuque Senior (5-11) in a substate semifinal at 7 p.m. Monday. The Trojans hope they have what it takes for another deep postseason run, following last year’s state title game appearance.

“We just want to win,” Fuentes said. “We're hungrier than ever. Our goal is to avenge last season and go win it a state title.”

The Little Hawks host Ankeny Centennial (5-11) at 5 p.m.