Senior defender Evan Larson has helped the sixth-ranked Ankeny Centennial boys’ soccer team to a 6-1 record. The Jaguars posted a 5-0 victory at Southeast Polk on Friday after defeating visiting Urbandale, 3-2, in a shootout on Tuesday.
Larson played a key role on last year’s squad that went 15-5 and qualified for the Class 3A state tournament. He was named to the CIML Iowa Conference first team and to the Class 3A all-state second team.
Here is some inside info on Larson:
How is the season going thus far?
I think we are off to a strong start. We worked hard in the offseason to prepare and be ready for the spring. Our attackers work together really well, and our defensive unit is solid. We are a cohesive group that gets along on and off the field.
Congratulations on the huge win over then-No. 2 Urbandale. What does that victory do for your team’s confidence?
We were confident going into the game, but Urbandale definitely challenged us and the wind added another element of complexity.
Yes, the game was played under extremely windy conditions. Have you ever played in a gusty wind like that, and what adjustments did you have to make?
After not capitalizing when we had the wind (in the first half), we had to adjust our playing style and mindset. We had to keep our composure, connect passes, and be clinical near the goal while going into the wind.
The game eventually went to a shootout, and you scored one of Centennial’s three goals that decided the outcome with a kick that just got past Urbandale goalkeeper Nathaniel Hersom. Were you confident that you would convert your kick?
Well, I’d probably prefer defending a dangerous attacker than taking a penalty kick, but I had a job to do. With the wind, the ball wouldn’t stay stationary long enough for me to shoot, but eventually I had a break in the wind. Their goalie got a hand on it, but luckily it was strong enough to still find the net.
Your team’s goalkeeper, Andrew Nelson, also came up with a big save to help seal the win. Do you think his save was kind of deflating for the J-Hawks?
Yes, Andrew did a great job reading the kicker and made a tremendous save. That built the momentum for us. He had several great saves throughout the game. With the wind that night, he had to really adjust.
Coach Duax told me that he thinks your team is as talented as any side in the state. Do you think this team is capable of winning a state title?
Definitely. We have a lot of very talented players that work together well and the best coaching staff in the state. That combination, along with a consistent focus and strong work ethic, will take us far this season.
You have a big game coming up on May 3 against crosstown rival Ankeny, which is currently unbeaten and the new No. 1 team in Class 3A. How big of a challenge will it be to stop the Hawks’ Lucas Newhard, who is one of the state’s leading scorers?
I have a lot of respect for the Hawks. Many of their players were my Rush teammates for years. They are a talented and well-coached group. However, I have complete confidence in our coaches to come up with a plan for May 3. I also know my teammates are able to step up to any challenge. We all want to bring the pickaxe home again this year!
An effort is underway to break the all-time attendance record for a soccer match in Iowa on that night. Do you think the record of 7,342 can be broken, and how much fun would it be to play in front of a crowd that large?
The derby game is always a great night of soccer. The “Pack the Pitch” committee has a lot of neat ideas in store which is adding to the excitement and anticipation. Seeing the community fill the stadium to support both teams would be very memorable! We also will be raising money that night for Tori’s Angels, a foundation helping kids with life-threatening medical challenges.
Where are you at in the recruiting process? Have you narrowed your list of schools?
I am trying to decide the right combination of academics and soccer. Admission decisions just came out a few weeks ago, so I am in the final stages of deciding between some great options.
I know that academics are very important to you. What are you planning to study?
I am planning to study biomedical engineering.