CEDAR FALLS — Cedar Falls was confident in its 3-1 win over Waterloo West on Thursday.
Surrounded by a group of teammates, Tigers senior Ian O'Loughlin explained why Cedar Falls was so confident after its win over the rival Wahawks to improve to 4-3 on the season.
“Chemistry, we've known each other and played together for years,” O'Loughlin said. “I've been playing with some of these guys since I was 6 years old. I mean, we have chemistry and it shows on the field.”
The gallery reacted in real time, echoing O'Loughlin's comments.
“Smart!” yelled one of the Tigers' teammates.
“We have a good team!” added another.
“[There is] I honestly have nothing to lose,'' O'Loughlin said. “We have to get out of there. We have to get wins. We have to build on it. And we have to create conditions. That's the goal. was.”
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According to Cedar Falls head coach Aldin Muhamedagic, a new formation and a new focus on ending scoring opportunities has helped boost his team's confidence.
“We've been doing a lot of different things in practice this year,” Muhamedagic said. “Our focus is on finishing in the attacking third…we're going to make sure we do everything to achieve that. Last year we were behind in scoring chances, but this year we've been slowly picking up on them.”
A combination of confidence, focus and formation continued to benefit O'Loughlin, scoring seven goals as a sophomore in 2022, but a hamstring injury limited him to nine appearances and two goals in 2023.
On Thursday, the senior sparked a victory over the Wahawks with a penalty kick 10 minutes into the game, curling a shot into the left corner of the west cage for his seventh goal of the season.
“Everyone on the field knew I was going to score,” O'Loughlin said. “Once I got there, it was guaranteed. It was just — I felt it, I knew it was coming in.
“We're back. We're better than ever and it shows.”
Despite O'Loughlin's early shot, the Tigers were unable to extend their lead before halftime as West looked for the tying goal.
The Wahawks were able to create a scramble in front of Cedar Falls' net in the 30th minute.th One minute before the Tigers cleared the ball out of harm's way.
A few minutes later, West junior Aziz Salihović hit a beautiful free kick from the right wing that arced into the left corner and into the net. Cedar's goalie, Braden's flyer, sent a shot over the net and out of bounds.
Coach Muhamedajic praised Frei's development after filling in for injured Ethan Beneke.
“He was spot on,” Muhamedagic said. “Brayden stood his ground pretty well. We were very happy. He's been practicing hard with his teammates. We're seeing improvement from game to game. His decision-making process is spot on. .”
Frey made three saves in the win.
During halftime, Muhamedagic said he challenged his team to regain control of the game in the second half.
“I was very firm with the players,” Muhamedagic said. “I asked them to start dominating the game a little bit more. We have to have possession in the midfield and make sure we have control.”
West opened the second half with another strong scoring chance before Cedar Falls senior Mateo Scacco scored his second goal of the season midway through the second half to double the Tigers' lead. .
Freshman Ervin Bajrektarevich scored from a corner kick by Diego Bayardo Gonzalez to put Cedar Falls up 3-0.
With less than 10 minutes left in the game, West sophomore Aydin Bajramovic cut Cedar Falls' lead to 3-1, getting behind the Tigers' defense and firing home a shot from Frye.
West head coach Mike Penning emphasized the Wahawks' constant effort despite the three-point deficit, but also noted West's missed opportunities.
“I was really proud of them for not giving up for 80 minutes,” Penning said. “They're going to be very frustrated. They're not happy. CF is a big rival for them. It's a testament to them that they take it so seriously the whole time. I enjoy being with these guys every day.
“Soccer is a crazy sport sometimes. Sometimes you can score on half-chances, and sometimes you have really good chances and you don't score. We just have to find a way to end some of those chances.”
