Class 3A No. 10 Columbus North gave itself plenty opportunities Thursday when it faced off against Cathedral in boys soccer that was played at Richard Wigh Complex.
The Bull Dogs converted in the first half, and that was all that was needed to claim a 1-0 over the Irish to remain unbeaten on the season.
“We’ve been working hard on finishing and mobility and the attack brand of soccer that we prefer to play,” North coach Andy Glover said. “Credit to Cathedral, they’re a very good, hard, physical team, but we did well. They tried to find ways around them, through them and occasionally, over them. We’re trying to be dynamic and trying to have a little bit more of a defensive presence in the center part.”
The Bull Dogs (7-0-1) created their first chance of the match in the 15th minute when a ball was passed to Nico Gotoh, who took a touch down the left side, and his shot deflected off a defender for an own goal to make it 1-0. North created many opportunities still in the first half, but was unable to land a shot into the net.
The Bull Dogs left a couple early chances in the second half when Anthony Johnson’s kick landed right into the hands of Cathedral goalkeeper Jett Wallmeier, and Christian Cardoso had a free kick opportunity from outside the box that went wide of the near post.
The Irish had a great opportunity to level the game with around 10 minutes remaining when Alden Chan kicked the ball right at North goalkeeper Max Grewe for the save. The Bull Dog defense held up to preserve the victory.
North outshot Cathedral 15-5, with six shots on goal. Oscar Ballinas and Grewe each played a half and recorded two saves apiece.
The Bull Dogs will hit the grind of their schedule this month with a date with No. 6 Carmel on Sept. 9 and three of its last four games Conference Indiana matchups, one of those with No. 14 Bloomington South on Sept. 20.
“There’s no more for contemtment with our schedule,” Glover said. “We’ll continue to roll our sleeves up, keep our head down and work hard.”
