For just the second time in school history, the Washington Demon boys’ soccer team is a conference champion. Washington defeated Fort Madison in a 1-0 thriller on the road last night to secure at least a share of the Southeast Conference title and end a losing streak against the Bloodhounds that spanned six years.
Both sides had limited chances to score throughout. The Demons nearly broke a scoreless tie in the 27th minute when senior Manny Raymundo delivered a near-perfect cross that sophomore Edwin Cortes almost headed into the back of the net.
But, even without many shots, Washington never blinked thanks to a brilliant defensive effort. Freshman goalkeeper Braedon Tappan was at his best in the second shutout of his career, coming up with big saves like a post-side stop with no time left in the first half and a sliding save against a two-on-one in the 43rd minute.
In addition to Tappan’s eight saves, senior Randy Huertero led a defensive back line that built a brick wall at midfield and allowed the Demons to dominate possession. It would all pay off in the 81st minute.
Washington junior Kevin Marcelino got a quick sideline throw-in to midfielder Isaac Gentry. The senior booted a cross into the box, but Gentry to managed to hit what was a perfect strike that tucked inside the far upper post for what would be the match’s only goal.
After 11 straight losses, the Demons finally downed Fort Madison. After the game, Washington head coach Sally Hart told KCII Sports that it was because her team never lost sight of its identity.
“We played our game today,” Hart said. “We saw a lot of give-and-gos, nice clean soccer. All of the time and the effort and the weight training and everything paid off.”
Huertero said finally beating the Bloodhounds and winning a conference crown was the result of a long grind, but one that his team did together.
“I’ve been working towards this since freshman year,” Huertero said. “I put the work in at practice, and I try to put it in at the games. But I couldn’t have done it by myself. I have amazing coaches [and] I have amazing teammates who push me.”
The Demon girls would not be as fortunate, suffering a 4-0 loss at home to Fort Madison yesterday that drops their record to 3-6 in the Southeast Conference and 4-8 overall.
The Washington boys are now 8-1 in conference play and 10-2 overall, just the second season in program history with double-digit wins. The Demons will have a chance to sew up the outright Southeast Conference championship next week, but up next is a road match Friday at Clear Creek Amana.