The Washington Demons won one of the biggest boys’ soccer matches in school history last night, and, in doing so, are just one win away from a trip to the state tournament.

Washington defeated Fort Madison 2-1 in the Class 3A Substate 2 semifinals last night at Washington Wellness Park, their second victory over the Bloodhounds this season but only the second since 2018.

The Demons would grab the initial lead in the 15th minute when sophomore Edwin Cortes scored his team-high ninth goal of the season. But Fort Madison tied the match going into halftime on a free kick by junior Henry Graham.

The match would remain level until the 52nd minute. Midfielder Angel Mata found some space for his only shot of the whole game, but blasted it in for the third goal of his senior season.

Washington would make it stand up down the stretch, thanks to the defense and freshman goalkeeper Braedon Tappan’s six saves. Senior Bill De La Rosa had an assist as the Demons improve to 11-3, their second-most wins in a single season in program history.

But it’s the most recent that is the sweetest, securing a place in a substate final for the first time ever. Washington head coach Sally Hart told KCII Sports after the match that everything her team has weathered prior to last night made them ready for the moment.

“When we hosted Fort Madison the first time in the season [and] we went all the way to [penalty kicks],” Hart said, “we were down two goals at halftime. We’ve been a strong second-half team all the way through the season. Sitting even at halftime felt better than sitting behind two goals. It was a matter of who wants it, who wants to win, and they stepped up said they did.”

The Demons will now play in the Class 3A Substate 2 final tomorrow night at Cedar Rapids Xavier, seeking their first-ever berth in the state tournament.