The CIML Iowa Conference boasts three of the top five girls’ soccer teams in Class 3A.
It seems only fitting that the three squads will now likely share the league crown.
Fifth-ranked Waukee Northwest bounced back from Tuesday’s shootout loss to No. 4 Ankeny with a 1-0 victory over No. 3 Ankeny Centennial on Friday at Northwest. The loss ended a nine-game winning streak for the Jaguars, who are now tied atop the conference standings with the Hawkettes at 5-1.
The Wolves improved to 4-1 in the league and only need to beat winless Fort Dodge on Monday to forge a three-way tie for the championship.
“I thought it was a great game between two top teams in the state,” said Centennial coach Chris Allen, who watched the game from home due to an illness. “It shows the strength of our conference, and it’s no surprise that we now have likely a three-way tie for the title.”
Northwest’s Macy Davis scored the game’s only goal in the 11th minute off an assist by Natalie Gallagher. It was her seventh goal of the season.
The Jaguars were unable to clear a corner kick, and Davis headed in the rebound.
“We unfortunately gave up a goal early on a set piece,” Allen said. “But we played brilliantly at times moving the ball well and creating some nice chances for ourselves—just missing by inches a couple of times. That’s how the game goes at times.”
Goalkeeper Victoria Spahn made 10 saves for the Wolves (12-2). Kate Bergan had five of her own for Centennial (13-3).
It was a matchup between two teams that could meet again at next month’s state tournament.
“Our team played well and handled various adversities with composure,” Allen said. “I think we can take some attacking structures away from this game that we will be able to use in the future. I think we learned some hard lessons on clearances. But in the end, we are in the part of the season that is about growth, and we aren’t finishing the season out on a lull; every game is going to push us on in preparation for the postseason.”
The Jaguars will close out the regular season on Tuesday by hosting a non-conference game against No. 8 Dowling Catholic (10-4). It will be Senior Night.