The Columbus boys’ soccer team stands for introductions during Saturday’s Class 1A Substate 5 final versus Danville. Photo by KCII’s Nate Gonner.

A disastrous start set the tone in the final game of the season for the Columbus Wildcats boys’ soccer team (10-8 overall). The Wildcats squared off against the No. 6 Danville Bears (15-1 overall) for the automatic berth into the Class 1A boys’ soccer tournament. Danville opened the game with two goals in the first three minutes of play, cruising into the state tournament with a 5-0 victory over Columbus.

Saturday’s meeting was the fourth time the two teams have met on the pitch this season. Danville won all four matches by a combined score of 18-2. Sophomore Cole Perkins scored back to back goals in the first two minutes of the game, giving him a team leading 37 for the season.

Columbus sophomore goal keeper Carter Colby recorded five saves in the setback. Saturday marked the final game for Columbus seniors Zack King and David Ayala. The Wildcats are expected to return all of their offensive threats from this season, including the team’s leading scorer Ruben Paz, who scored 20 goals this season for the Wildcats.