(Stuart, IA) — For the first time in school history, West Central Valley won a game at the boys soccer state tournament. On Monday, the Wildcats beat Treynor 5-4 and scored more goals than all their five previous state tournament appearances combined — which was just one. In fact, one player had more goals than the other five games — Senior Trajan Rummel had a hat trick with 3 goals plus an assist. Rummel leads the team with 19 goals; Senior Gabe Gerling has 17; Senior Aiden Brandon 14 and Sophomore Luis Huerta has 9. Head Coach Matt Smith says that balance is their strength
In goal is Sophomore Mason Fortney who was not even on the team last year — he was more of a hockey fan and played a little youth soccer but when he did come out, Smith found him a spot in goal and he has 55 saves
The Wildcats are 15-1-1 — their only loss is to Des Moines Christian who are in the 2A semifinals and their tie was against St. Albert who are in the other 1A semifinal against West Sioux. West Central Valley will have to face top seeded Iowa City Regina who is 19-0-1 and led by Senior Laird Holden who has 40 goals and 23 assists. Smith says this team learned something from playing in the state tournament and he feels they match up well with the Regals
West Central Valley faces Iowa City Regina Catholic Thursday at Noon in Des Moines.
Complete Interview with Head Coach Matt Smith
