In a chance to capture their second state appearance in as many years, the Columbus boys’ soccer team dropped a tough 1-0 match to Solon.
The game played out exactly as advertised for two teams that were in the top 10 in least goals allowed for class 1A. Columbus did what they do best in the first half by controlling the time of possession, but ultimately could not find the net as the teams went into halftime scoreless. Coming out of the break Solon (16-5 overall) was the aggressor and found the net in the 45th minute. That was all the Spartans needed as they held off the Wildcats to secure the 1-0 win and punched their ticket to the state tournament where they will face off with No. 4 Regina on Thursday.
The Wildcats finish their impressive season with a record of 11-6 and have big shoes to fill for next year as they lose eight players to graduation. Eric Cantarero capped off his decorated career by leading the Southeast Iowa Super Conference North division in goals with 21. Ruben Paz finished fourth in the same category with 12.