Nicolas De Linan Palacios
Class 3A No. 19 Columbus North played another ranked boys soccer team for the second time in three days Saturday afternoon, and the result was identical.
Less than 48 hours after playing to a scoreless tie against 3A No. 15 Cathedral, the Bull Dogs did the same against 3A No. 20 North Central at BCSC Soccer Complex.
“While it was a tie, I think we’re learning a lot about ourselves in the past couple of games,” Columbus North coach Andy Glover said. “Despite the outcome today, I’m pleased that the team is a little disappointed that we didn’t win against a solid team, which tells me they’re here to compete.”
While the Bull Dogs (3-2-3) had more chances, the Panthers (4-1-1) came the closest to scoring. North Central’s Michael Nill put a shot off the crossbar in the 75th minute, and Elias Booram’s follow sailed high.
Columbus North outshot the Panthers 11-6, putting six shots on goal to two for North Central. Nicolas De Linan Palacios recorded two saves in posting the shutout.
“In the higher stakes games, it really becomes a game of moments,” Glover said. “(North Central) had a nice moment toward the end, but I feel like we had a couple of good moments, as well. Now, we just need to work on capitalizing on the moments we work so hard to create.”
The Bull Dogs will host Perry Meridian Tuesday at the Wigh Complex, then will visit 3A No. 4 Carmel Friday.
“Our strength of schedule is exactly what we want it to be,” Glover said. “We want it to be playing some of the better teams in the state, and I believe we are. Particularly, the middle third of the season is heavily scheduled with intent.”
