The Webster City Lynx boys soccer team returned to action on Thursday night, as they hosted the Aplington-Parkersburg Falcons in their Class 2A, Substate 2 Final at Lynx Field in Webster City. The Lynx entered Thursday with a perfect 15-0 record, while Aplington-Parkersburg entered at 11-3-1.
It would be a slow start for the Lynx, as A-P would push the tempo early with a couple of shots on goal. Webster City then began to get their looks and finally converted on a goal in the 29th minute to give the Lynx a 1-0 lead.
“We came out pretty soft and I was a little frustrated with that and I think our back line was a little frustrated as well,” Head Coach Craig Signorin said. “I told Conner Peck he’s got to be the guy, they’re going to be watching Eddy [Fuentes-Cruz] and throwing 2 or 3 guys at him.”
LISTEN: Lynx HC Craig Signorin discusses teams performance following substate win
The 2nd half would start with the intensity at a high on both sides, as physical play would eventually lead to a penalty in the box and a yellow card on A-P, as Eddy Fuentes-Cruz connected on his state-leading 42nd goal of the year to put the Lynx up 2-0.
Just 5 minutes later, sophomore David Villelas delivered the decisive blow with a goal in the 61st minute to put Webster City up 3-0, as Eddy Fuentes-Cruz put the cherry on top with a 67th minute goal as Webster City capped a 4-0 shutout.
“It starts with trusting each other, and playing well at all 3 levels” Signorin said of the Lynx 16-0 season. “We’re just looking to start a little faster and we’re going to need to do that come Monday.”
Senior Eddy Fuentes-Cruz notched two goals in the match to bring his season total to a state-leading 43 goals. Signorin says that the seniors of this team set the tone day-in and day-out.
“It starts with the seniors, it starts at all 3 levels with junior Francisco Ramirez Carmona in the back, Conner Peck in the middle and Eddy Fuentes up top,” Signorin said. “Obviously we don’t do it with all 11, 13, 18 guys with the reserves on the bench, but it starts with those 3.”
Webster City will begin its state tournament run on Monday, but are still awaiting their time, opponent and location of the match from IHSAA.