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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington, IA 52353
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Demon boys get past WACO on road
Cortes scores twice as Washington takes 1st-ever matchup
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
WAYLAND — Washington and WACO had never played in the sport of soccer until a battle took place at WACO High School on Wednesday night.
The Demon boys soccer team prevailed in a high-scoring affair, beating the Warriors 5-3 to score the first-ever victory in the series.
“WACO has some great talent,” said Washington head coach Sally Hart. “We knew coming into this, that it wouldn’t be an easy game.”
The Demons scored twice in the first half, getting goals from Edwin Cortes and Kevin Marcelino, but their lead was cut in half by a goal from WACO’s niles Reichenbach. Then, early in the second half, Keiran Luitjens tied things up at 2-2 with a goal of his own.
Xavi Recendez scored the tiebreaker with 31:19 remaining on the clock, and Ben Kronlage launched a shot in from deep to give the Demons a 4-2 lead with 30:45 left.
The Warriors weren’t quite out of it yet. WACO’s Tristan Luitjens sent a hard shot off the hands of Demon keeper Kaden Reed to cut it to 4-3 with 12:04 remaining.
WACO tried to scramble to get the equalizer, but instead the final goal came from Washington’s Cortes. He scored his second goal of the ballgame when a rebound died right at the line, giving him the chance at a follow-in.
“They’re a good team, and they fought hard,” said Cortes after the game. “It was a very close game, and I think they’re going to have a good rest of the season.”
Reed made eight saves in net to earn the win for Washington. WACO’s Owen Wolf saved six shots.
“What we’re trying to do right now is learn and get ready for what’s to come,” said WACO head coach Robert Shaw. “For me personally, it was just another non-conference game, but I know for some of the players, it might have meant a little bit more.”
It was Washington’s second win of the year, and the Demons now sit at 2-10. WACO is 3-7.
