Center Grove’s Nalen Whitney, right, awaits a pass behind the Columbus North defense during Tuesday’s match.
Evan Neiswanger | For the Daily Journal
The desired result eluded Class 3A No. 8 Center Grove on Tuesday night, but the host Trojans still managed the next-best thing.
By tying fourth-ranked Columbus North, 1-1, coach Jameson McLaughlin’s club again demonstrated it could be capable of big things this season.
And perhaps this postseason.
“A win is always the goal, and with us seeing this team in the future, hopefully in regionals, we want to come in hard and have confidence,” Center Grove senior defender Chase Stoneburner said. “We still have confidence. We defended well tonight, just like we have the whole season.”
The Trojans (5-0-1) took the pitch having outscored their first five opponents, 18-1.
Columbus North attempted 16 shots on goal to double up Center Grove in that department, finally breaking a scoreless tie with 25:41 remaining in the second half on a goal by senior midfielder Christian Cardoso.
Less than three more minutes ran off the clock before the Trojans struck. Junior forward Matheus Gubert’s corner kick resulted in a header by Ely Detty, whose attempt glanced off the hands of goalkeeper Noah Marsh, deflected off the crossbar and right back to Detty.
The senior’s second header attempt proved true at 23:07 for the final tally. It was the future Kentucky Wildcat’s 11th goal already this season.
Earlier in the second half, the Trojans were penalized for hand ball inside the box, but Columbus North couldn’t capitalize — Center Grove senior goalkeeper Devin McCormick made a diving stop on the ensuing penalty kick.
A little of this and some of that might have made the difference for both squads.
For the time being, 1-1 will have to suffice.
Coaches don’t pursue ties, but all things considered, McLaughlin was pleased with certain aspects of what Center Grove accomplished.
“Parts of the performance,” McLaughlin said. “I’m happy with the way we defended, but the first half, although we defended really well, it wasn’t the right way. We would have nine people back, and no one forward.
“I’m glad with the result. Columbus North is a really, really good team. I always want to win, but …”
Had this been a postseason match, it would have gone on until there was a winner. Regular-season showdowns such as the one Tuesday evening leave coaches, players and spectators wondering what might have been.
Neither team located the back of the net in the first half as Columbus North attempted seven shots on goal to the Trojans’ three.
The Bull Dogs’ Cardoso nearly drew first blood with 6:54 remaining before intermission, but his kick was deflected away by the mitted left hand of McCormick.
Center Grove is back in action on Thursday night when it plays at Southport. Columbus North (3-0-2) travels to face Cathedral.
