Senior defender Ben Ridlen helped the top-ranked Ankeny Centennial boys’ soccer team to an 8-0 victory over visiting Waterloo West in a Class 4A substate final on Friday. The Jaguars raised their record to 15-0-2 while advancing to the state tournament for the first time since 2023.
Ridlen has contributed three goals and four assists this season. He has also played a key role for a defensive unit that has allowed only 15 goals in 17 games.
Here is some inside info on Ridlen:
Congratulations on the win over Waterloo West. What did you think of your team’s performance?
I think we put in a good performance, but we can definitely build off of it to play even better.
Are you surprised that you won the game in such dominant fashion?
No, I think that we could have won it earlier and played better than we did.
Did your team come out with more energy at the start after giving up an early goal to Cedar Rapids Jefferson in the regional semifinal?
Yes, one of our main goals was to start off strong and set the tone early in the game after our poor start against Jefferson.
Your teammate, Tate Duax, had three goals and two assists in the win, increasing his season totals to 24 goals and 18 assists. Do you feel sorry for opposing defenders that have to try to stop him?
Tate is a very good player, and I’m sure it must be tough to deal with him for 80 minutes.
This was your team’s seventh clean sheet of the season. Do you think your defense is one of the best in the state?
Yes, I think our defense is one of if not the best in the state. Mace (Nithang) has been really good next to me, and our outside backs have been playing well all season.
As a four-year starter in the back, have you tried to be a leader this season for your younger teammates? And if so, how?
I have just tried to be a role model and lead by example this season. I try to set the standard high for others to follow.
You were a freshman starter on the last Centennial team to qualify for state three years ago, when your squad advanced to the semifinals before losing to eventual champion Johnston. Did you learn anything from that experience that will help you this week?
I would say the main thing is complacency. We went up 1-0 early in that game against Johnston, and I think a lot of players thought we had it won. We need to play our best game for the full 80 minutes.
Your team will play eighth-seeded Iowa City High in the Class 4A quarterfinals on Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Valley Stadium. What do you know about the Little Hawks?
I don’t know much, but I know they have a well-rounded team and will be tough to beat.
Your team is the No. 1 seed and the lone unbeaten squad remaining in Class 4A. What has been the key to the team’s success this season?
I think the key has been how well we play together and how connected we are as a group.
What would that mean to you to close out your career with a state championship?
It would mean a lot to me. I’ve dedicated a lot to this program and soccer throughout my life. It would be a great end to my high school career.
Plans for next year? Will you play soccer in college?
I will attend Wartburg College to continue playing soccer.