North Polk ends DCG's four-year reign atop 2A girls state soccer
Article excerpt
Campbell Schulz scored in the final minute to give North Polk a 1-0 victory over DCG in the 2A girls state soccer semifinal, ending the defending champions' four-year reign atop the classification. North Polk advances to the state final with the dramatic late goal, while DCG's streak of consecutive titles comes to an end. The semifinal matchup featured two of Iowa's top programs in the 2A division, with North Polk seizing its opportunity in the closing moments to secure a spot in championship play.
AMES, If North Polk was going to end Dallas Center-Grimes' four-year reign as defending Class 2A girls state soccer champions, the Comets were going to do it in style.
Campbell Shulz converted a cross shot from the right side past Mustang keeper Emyrson Torsky from about 10 yards with just 36 seconds left in regulation to send the Comets into the 2A title game with a dramatic 1-0 victory at Iowa State's Lied Recreation Fields.
"That was literally insane," said Schulz. "I knew we were going to get on at some point, but that was a little close for comfort."
Just when it appeared the game was headed into overtime, North Polk got a good run at the goal. The Comets got a ball through the Mustang defense, and Schulz was there to kick the ball past Torsky and North Polk into history as the team to end DCG's amazing run of four-consecutive state championships.
"I was there, I was ready for it," Schulz said. "Then...I don't know...it was so exciting!"
It was the perfect way to end an evenly-played battle that went back and forth for 80 minutes.
DCG nearly got on the scoreboard earlier in the second half. The Mustangs had what looked like a goal following a corner kick seven minutes into the half.
The two teams battled for possession of the ball near the goal in the middle of the field, and it appeared DCG's Kylie Janssen tapped the ball past the goal line before Comet keeper Madelyn Cory was able to snare. But the referee ruled that Cory made the save before the ball crossed.
"We thought it was in," said DCG coach Dan James. "We didn't get that break, but that is the way soccer is."
DCG had another excellent opportunity with just over 10 minutes remaining in regulation. Jaidyn Shandri took a nice ball from Kenna Knief and drilled a 15-yarder from the left side that went off the top post.
DCG finished the season with a 14-3-2 record. The Mustangs have now gone 87-13-3 over an amazing five-year run.
"They have nothing to hang their heads about," James said. "This is a team we didn't know about coming to fill some gaps this year. They all stepped up. I'm proud of where they ended up."
North Polk will take a 16-3-1 record into the 2A championship game.
"We've been locked in the whole end of the season," Schulz said. "I knew we could do it. I love these girls, and I think our team chemistry does it all for us."
Joe Randleman covers high school sports for the Ames Tribune. Contact him at jrandleman@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JoeRandleman
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: North Polk wins 1-0 2A girls state soccer semifinal thriller over DCG