As the regular season winds down, top-ranked Creighton Prep soccer is finishing their regular season strong. The Junior Jays took down #10 Millard West and Omaha Bryan, extending their win streak to 12 games. After opening the season with 13 games in 21 days, the Junior Jays finally got some rest with a week-long break over the Easter weekend. With the best record in Class-A and one regular season game remaining, the Junior Jays are in a position to host a district tournament, a major step toward their state title aspirations.
One day after winning the Metro Conference Tournament, the Junior Jays took down Millard West 2-0.
Despite only putting four shots on goal, the Junior Jays made them count. Jordan Igwenma gave the Junior Jays a first-half lead, scoring past Wildcat goalie Christian Pogue off an assist from Jacob Szatko. The Junior Jays could not extend their lead until the final minutes when Louis Tokporo sealed the game with a header goal off a Tim Down corner kick.
The defense showed out against the Wildcats. Team captain Brody Brakke, who played the whole game at center back, led the defense to one of their most impressive games all season. While the Junior Jays struggled to apply pressure on the offensive end, the defense stalled the Wildcats to a season-low four shots. The Wildcats were shut out for the second time all season, with the other in the Metro Tournament against the Junior Jays. Alec Sibbernsen was solid in the net, saving all three shots on goal.
After a week-long break during the Easter weekend, the Junior Jays took down Omaha Bryan 4-0 in a dominant senior day victory.
After limited opportunities against the Wildcats, the Junior Jays’ offense kicked back in gear, sending 20 shots at the Bears’ net. Just 30 seconds into the match, Igwenma scored his 22nd goal off a quick cross from Connor Lodes, passing Duncan McGuire for most single-season goals by a Junior Jay since 2010.
After taking the 1-0 lead into the half, Prep scored three goals in 15 minutes. Lodes notched his second assist, finding Szatko across the box, before scoring his first goal of the evening off a lofting pass from Igwenma. Drew Gotch ended the day by beating Bryan goalie Alexis Gutierrez Saucedo one-on-one.
The Junior Jays end their regular season with a matchup against Benson this Saturday. As districts approach, the Junior Jays have essentially locked up a spot as a host. The Junior Jays will have the stand-alone best record in Class-A with a victory over the Bunnies. The Junior Jays have also dominated ranked competition, going 8-1 against top-10 opponents. With ample rest and an elite record, the Junior Jays are well on their way to hosting a district tournament, the first major step to a third straight state championship.
