Trojan boys soccer brings the storm against Cedar Falls
The boys soccer teams took on Cedar Falls on Wednesday night in the substate finals. Pulling out their 14th straight win, they will return to the state tournament for a tournament qualifying record of 22 times.
The boys soccer team poses with the 2022 state qualifier banner after beating Cedar Falls 6-1.
May 26, 2022
The Trojans brought the thunder on Wednesday night defeating Cedar Falls in a comfortable 6-1 victory during the substate finals. Despite the weather delays, the real storm was on Barker Field.
The Trojans came out with a bang as senior midfielder Miguel Cohen Suarez put up the first goal, with the assist from Ahmed Taha ’23. The Trojans did not stop there, with powerhouse junior and leading scorer Michael Nelson scoring another goal against the Tigers. Cohen Suarez made the score 3-0 by finishing a ball assisted from Bazz Vande Hey ’22. With 30 minutes left in the first half, there was no slowing down for West.
The Cedar Falls Tigers also brought the heat but senior goalie and captain Nick McDonnell was ready for it, making several sprawling saves, including one off of a header on a corner kick. Both McDonnell and the backline of defenders were ready for the heat of the game, staying strong and not letting many balls through.
With seven minutes left in the half, Nelson puts up another goal putting the Trojans 4-0 on the board. The Tigers were able to sneak in a goal with three minutes left in the first half.
As the Trojans led 4-1 at halftime, the tornado sirens went off and both teams and their fans had to make their way into the school for a delay.
After pouring rain and a lightning delay, the teams made their way back onto the field for a late second half. Despite the weather, many loyal Trojans and Tigers fans stayed to witness the last half of the substate final in the rain. Cohen Suarez was able to put two more goals on the board in the second half.
West continued the strength from the first half and did not let the Tigers get on the board during the second half. The Trojans pulled out a 6-1 win, marking one step further in their journey back to state for the sixth consecutive season and hoping to reclaim the championship fought for by the 2020-2021 team last June.
The Trojans will take on the state tournament in Des Moines next week, returning to James Cownie Soccer Complex.
“I’m looking forward to having one last shot at a title. We came so close my past two seasons, and I’d love nothing more than to leave West with the win,” said Cohen Suarez. “Regardless of the outcome, it will be great for us to play against some of the best teams in the state. Teams get better in tough games, and West has so much potential for next year and beyond.”
