Third time was the ultimate charm for the Columbus Community boys’ soccer team on Monday when they got over the hump against Mediapolis when it mattered most beating the Bulldogs 1-0 in a class 1A substate semifinal. 

The Wildcats fell to the host Bulldogs (13-7) in a pair of regular season meetings by 5-1 and 3-1 scores, but the defense showed up on the big stage Monday by pitching the shutout. Neither team scored after 80 minutes of play and it took extra time for Columbus to secure the golden goal from Yahir Ayala for the playoff win. They improve to 12-5 and advance to today’s substate final at No.5 Burlington Notre Dame. The Nikes are 16-3 and advanced to this round after blanking Albia 10-0. Notre Dame’s offense has been stellar averaging nearly six goals a game led by Gabe Zurita with 33 on the season. 

The chance to punch tickets to state start at 6:30 p.m. tonight in Burlington.