West ready, on time and dominating

PLEASANT HILL - When preparation meets focus and punctuality, the Iowa City West boys' soccer team is three steps ahead of its competition.

The Trojans cruised to their third-straight state title game with a 5-0 win against Bettendorf last night in a Class 3A state semifinal. It was a domination rooted in the team's preparation for its longtime Eastern Iowa rival.

“I had a good idea that the guys were going to be ready today,” Iowa City West coach Brad Stiles said. “We were all on time, everything was good. And I tell you what, an early goal always helps the cause.”

No. 2 West (19-2) faces Ames (17-4) for the Class 3A state championship at 5 p.m. today at Urbandale High School. Ames beat Ankeny, 1-0, Friday.

West dominated Bettendorf in every phase, scoring two goals in the first half before adding another three in the second half. West senior forward Austin Otto scored the first two goals. In the game's 11th minute, Otto sent a free kick into the upper left corner of the net to give West a 1-0 lead.

In the 34th minute, Otto produced the state tournament's showcase play. He wove through and around three defenders and fought off multiple ball traps. He eventually spun to the right side of the net about 15 yards away and fired a shot into the upper left side for his second goal.

“It was fast,” Otto said. “I just remember going through the back line and the ball was out in front of me. I just hit it, and the center back crossed in front of me, and I just tried to get it over him and dip it over the goalie. I was pleased with that performance. Good things happen when you don't give up.”

Stiles had nothing but praise for Otto and his tenacity.

“First effort, second effort, third effort, maybe even a fourth just to get it in and finish it,” Stiles said. “That's all on him, and I'm happy for him. That was well-earned.”

But West hardly was finished scoring. Less than two minutes into the second half, sophomore Tanner Schilling crossed a pass from the left sideline to the front of the net, where senior Nevin Vijh punched it in for his second goal of the tournament.

Ten minutes later, Bettendorf goalkeeper Tyler Cowherd approached Schilling at the front of the goal box. Schilling lobbed the ball over Cowherd and into the net for a four-goal lead. Junior Michael Lipman rounded out the scoring with a header into the net with 53 seconds left in the game.

Iowa City West is making a record-tying seventh state finals appearance. The Trojans last won in 2005 but have lost the last two state title games. A win today would give West a fourth state title, also tying a state record.

“As a team, especially the senior class, we owe Stiles a state championship ring,” Otto said. “Two years going in the finals and getting second place ... I don't even think about getting second place.

“I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what Ames has. Brad will prepare us for our game. He's a great coach, a great leader.”