Columbus junior Ruben Paz winds up for a free kick during a Southeast Iowa Super Conference match versus the Wapello Indians on May 10. Photo by KCII Sports Nate Gonner.

The road to the Class 1A boys’ state soccer tournament runs through Columbus Junction this week.The No. 3 Columbus/Winfield-Mount Union Wildcats (15-1 overall) lost one of their 16 regular season games this spring, earning them hosting rights in the Class 1A Substate 6 bracket.

The Wildcats’ received a bye in the quarterfinal round, and begin their playoff run in the semifinal round today versus the Holy Trinity Catholic Crusaders (6-10 overall). The Crusaders advanced to the semifinal round after a 1-0 victory over the Notre Dame Nikes (6-8 overall) Monday evening in Fort Madison.

Columbus/Winfield Mount Union’s success has been predicated on their defense, which hasn’t allowed a regulation goal since April 22nd against Mid-Prairie. The Wildcats posted 12 shutouts in their 16 matches played this season. Winfield-Mount Union senior Warren Krieger-Coble has recorded 49 saves this spring, posting a save percentage of nearly 85.

Offensively, the Wildcats have the top three scorers in the Southeast Iowa Super Conference. Junior Eric Cantarero has scored 28 goals this spring, tied for the most in Class 1A soccer, and leads the conference by 15. Senior Diego Sanchez has deposited 13 goals into the net, while junior Ruben Paz added nine.

The Wildcats and Crusaders met in Columbus Junction on April 26 with Columbus/Winfield-Mount Union winning the match, 3-0. The winner of tonight’s game advances to Saturday’s substate final against the winner of Danville/Albia. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Columbus High School.