The Ankeny Centennial boys’ soccer team appears to have all the momentum in the world.
Now, the Jaguars just need to stay sharp during their 10-day layoff.
Tenth-ranked Centennial closed out the regular season on Friday with a 3-0 victory over visiting Southeast Polk at Ankeny Stadium. The Jaguars finished 5-3 in the CIML Conference and improved to 12-5 overall, while Southeast Polk’s records dropped to 1-5-2 and 5-8-4.
Centennial earned a tie for second place in the league with Urbandale and Waukee Northwest behind No. 1 Valley, which went a perfect 8-0.
“The CIML is the toughest conference in Iowa by far,” said Centennial coach Brian Duax. “Our seniors helped turn us from 5-12 in 2024 to 12-5 this year. It’s a testimony to this team’s belief in the family culture we try to create yearly.”
Centennial held a 1-0 lead at halftime, then added two more goals in the second half. Elijah Dahn had a goal and an assist to lead the Jaguars.
Alen Mujakovic and Drew Kruger scored the team’s other goals. Ezra Mugabi and Brock Brazeau each contributed an assist.
It was Brazeau’s sixth assist of the season, which ties Tate Duax for the team lead.
“It was a great way to end the season, and it was a fantastic way to send the seniors into the postseason,” said coach Duax, whose team will be idle until hosting Marshalltown (9-5-2) in a Class 4A substate semifinal on May 27. “The seniors played the majority of the minutes. We played the entire bench that was healthy to play.”
Freshman goalkeeper Will Kreuger had four saves in the win. The Jaguars posted their third straight shutout and seventh of the season.
“We’re giving the boys the weekend off to rest and recover,” Duax said. “We’ll be back at it Monday focused on improving and preparing for Marshalltown.”