Staff Reports
NEW ALBANY — It will be Columbus East vs. Columbus North for the boys soccer sectional title on Saturday afternoon — in New Albany.
The Olympians and Bull Dogs advanced with semifinal shutouts on Wednesday. East (12-3-1) edged host New Albany 1-0 in the opener, and North (12-5) followed with a 3-0 victory against Floyd Central.
The sectional final will be at 2 p.m. Saturday. The winner will host a regional semifinal game on Thursday evening, and the regional final will be Oct. 16 at Seymour.
The Olympians netted the only goal of their game in the 53rd minute, when Branson Young scored off an assist from Kevin Galindo Sanchez. Pete Coriden recorded four saves in goal.
“We had quite a few shots, but just couldn’t quite find the net,” East coach Josh Gonsior said. “It was a battle the whole game, and we were able to finish one and come out on top.”
The Olympians had beaten New Albany 5-0 during the regular season.
“They were really prepared, and they changed their tactics and really made us work hard for it,” Gonsior said. “It was a great game of soccer.”
The Bull Dogs struck early against the Highlanders, with Jesse Williams finishing a pass from Aidan Whitley in the eighth minute. Nathan Imlay scored off an assist from Christian Gomez Cardoso in the 34th minute to make it 2-0 at halftime. Cardoso headed in a pass from Flynn Keele in the 67th minute.
North outshot Floyd Central 16-7, putting eight shots on goal to three for the Highlanders. Oscar Ballinas posted three saves for the Bull Dogs, who had beaten Floyd Central 4-0 during the regular season.
“We just came out and played our game,” North assistant coach Sam Lavelle said. “Our kids bought in and were excited and want to keep playing together. I think that’s the biggest part of us continuing on our winning streak — playing well together.”
