IMS returns to state

SOLON - It is quite an achievemant to make it to the state tournament in soccer. It is an even more impressive achievement to make it a second year in a row when all the other teams are gunning for a state qualifier.

For the second consecutive year, Iowa Mennonite School met Solon at Spartan Stadium to play for the opportunity to go to state and for the second time IMS, ranked 16th, found a way to beat the seventh-ranked Spartans.

The game opened with a slight wind at Solon's backs, but it didn't seem to bother IMS as the back line of Kobe Borntrager, Eli Ours, Jorge Canchola and Noah Miller along with defensive midfielder, Cody Jones, continually snuffed out Solon's opportunities to go forward and create pressure on the goal. The few shots which got through were gobbled up by IMS goalkeeper Blake Bontrager.

Despite going into the wind, IMS forwards Drew Blauvelt and Louis Etienne along with midfielders Jacob Boller, Toby Chen, John Hughes, and Brian Maren were able to create several chances on goal but were unable to score, resulting in the 0-0 halftime score.

IMS had the slight wind advantage in the second half and took advantage, pushing forward more often, accumulating six corner kicks in the half.

'With Solon's defenders staying deep, it was difficult to find a way to break through,” IMS coach Marcus Miller said.

As the clock hit the last 10 minutes, Maren intercepted a ball near the center of the midfield and lofted it over the Solon back line. Solon's keeper came out to get the ball, but Boller was able to get his foot to the ball, chipping it over the goalie's head.

'For what seemed like long, long seconds, everyone watched to see if the ball would bounce over the goal or settle into the net,” Coach Miller said. 'When it crossed the goal line and nestled into the net with 9 minutes, 57 seconds on the clock, IMS realized it needed to hold on for 10 minutes for the return trip to state.”

As expected being down 1-0, Solon upped its pressure trying to find the equalizer. Once again the IMS back line, Jones at defensive mid and Bontrager in goal, were up to the task, shutting down Solon and claiming the victory.

'They were a worthy opponent,” Miller said.

IMS received the six seed for the Class 1A state tournament and will play the No. 3 seeded Sioux Center at noon Thursday at the Cownie Soccer Complex in Des Moines. IMS now sports a 12-4 record.