Second-ranked Waukee Northwest scored three goals in the final 25 minutes to beat No. 1 Ankeny Centennial, 3-1, in the Class 4A championship game at the boys’ state soccer tournament on Friday at Mediacom Stadium.
The Wolves rallied after Centennial took the lead in the 49th minute on a goal by Garrett Christensen, who was assisted by Tate Duax. It was Christensen’s 11th goal of the season.
Northwest got an equalizer from Sully Ervin about 7 minutes later, then took a 2-1 advantage on a penalty kick by Eman Alicic at the 61-minute mark. The Wolves added a late goal from Jose Venales when Centennial was pressing for an equalizer in the final minute.
Northwest (20-1-1) avenged its only loss of the season on April 7, when it was routed by Centennial, 5-0, for the worst defeat in program history. The Wolves captured their first state title.
The Jaguars finished with a 17-1-2 record. They were the state runner-up for the second time after also placing second in Class 3A in 2015.
Duax was named to the all-tournament team along with fellow seniors Brock Brazeau and Ben Ridlen. Northwest goalkeeper Tate Schendel was selected captain of the squad.
We will have much more on the game coming later.