Calling Vinton-Shellsburg “probably the best team we’ve played,” West Liberty High School girls’ soccer coach Manuel Machado witnessed his team slide to 4-9 to end their regular season with their only mercy loss of the year.
The visiting Vikings scored seven goals in the first half and went on to take an 11-1 win, improving their record to 10-7 for the season.
McKenzie Akers scored the only goal for the Comets, getting an assist from Sailor Hall in the first half.
Although disappointed in the loss, coach Machado praised the play of the West Liberty goalie, Crystal Ladezma, for creating a number of saves despite giving up more goals than she has all year in a game.
The Comets enter Iowa Girls Soccer Substate play against hosting Mediapolis, which is 3-9-1 on the season, with a game Wednesday night, May 26, beginning at 6 p.m. with the winner to play whoever wins the Davenport Assumption vs. Wapello game played that same evening.
Top-seeded Assumption, which is 10-5 going into their first substate game, is expected to beat the winless Wapello team and is likely to host the semi-final game on Tuesday, June 1, beginning at 6 p.m. in Davenport on the Knight's home field.
The championship game, for the rights to play at state, will be held June 4, beginning at 6 p.m., with the highest ranked school hosting.