Titans edge Rams in top-ranked battle

A goal by Council Bluffs Lewis Central’s Colton Costello proved the difference in a battle of the top two soccer teams in Class 2A according to the Iowa High School Soccer Coaches Association rankings.

The No. 2 Rams (5-1) went back-and-forth with No. 1 ranked Titans (4-1), with neither team dominating possession.

Costello got the Lewis Central on the board in the 21st minute on an unassisted goal.

The match didn’t end the way he wanted, said Glenwood coach Cort Lovato, but it was was exactly the type of high-intensity, competitive match every team wants to play in.

“The match started with lots of intensity and never really fell off,” he said. “The boys played well and were able to control stretches of the match, unfortunately they were unable to produce a goal.”

The Titans held a 6 to 3 advantage in shots on goal. Ram goalkeeper Casey Godbout stopped five shots.

Lovato couldn’t find fault in his team’s play in the loss.

“The back line played well, communicated well, and were not played through the entire match,” he said. “The midfield had great stretches of passing strings and were able to handle the pressure from LC’s mids. The boys are playing well and will need a rest after four matches in four days.

“This match made us coaches see the areas the boys need to grow to compete at this pace for upcoming matches. The boys will have a good week of training and get better after this loss.”