Columbus North Secures Sectional Title with 1-0 Victory Over Columbus East
ST. LEON — Columbus North claimed the East Central Sectional final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Columbus East on Saturday night, marking their first sectional title since 2023.
Despite a commanding 23-1 advantage in overall shots, the contest remained tense as both teams battled through adverse weather conditions. The game’s only goal came from Luccas Peda in the 71st minute, who took a lead pass from Ben Wiltrout and struck a low shot into the right corner of the net.
“I got the ball, and in my head I knew the clock was ticking,” Peda reflected. “I knew it was going to come down to the kick of a leg, and I saw my opportunity and I took it.”
The goal eluded Ryder Meek, the Columbus East goalkeeper, marking the only time he was beaten during the match.
North coach Andy Glover praised his team’s patience and discipline throughout the game. “We’re a disciplined team. Even if it was going to take another 14 minutes, we were confident the goal would come,” he said.
Peda nearly scored earlier in the match with a shot that struck the crossbar, while teammate Parker Gribbins also missed two chances in the box.
Defensively, Michael Larson recorded a shutout for Columbus North, not facing a single shot on goal.
“We were not playing for PKs,” East coach Nathan Cline noted. “The boys did really well, closing the gaps and not allowing them to do exactly what they wanted to do.”
As the season concludes, Columbus East ends with a record of 8-5-5, while Columbus North improves to 10-3-4, preparing for a regional semifinal against Bloomington South on Thursday.
“The kids are so excited,” Glover expressed. “They’ve worked hard, and they deserve a little hardware.”
