Columbus North High School

October 5, 2023 - Columbus North scored two first-half goals against Franklin Community in the boys soccer Sectional semifinals and it looked like the Bull Dogs were going to cruise to their eleventh victory of the season. The Grizzly Cubs then scored with eleven minutes to play and turned up the offensive and defensive intensity, forcing the Bull Dogs to work to hold on for the 2-1 victory and a trip to the Sectional finals on Saturday. Christian Cardoso scored off of an assist from Obed Oliva in the 26th minute to give the Dogs a 1-0 lead. Eleven minutes later, Misaki Takemoto took a Brian Rodriguez pass and knocked it past the keeper to put North up 2-0. Franklin scored on a corner kick in the 69th minute to keep the game within reach for the Grizzly Cubs, but the Bull Dogs were able to hold on for the victory. Juan Jose Salcedo Calderon had one save in 80 minutes of work in goal. He was aided by a pair of team saves (credited to Konnor Gribbins) as the defense rallied around the net when Franklin threatened. The Dogs out-shot the Grizzly Cubs 17-7, including a 5-4 advantage in shots-on-goal. Tenth-ranked North (11-3-3) will face Roncalli on Saturday at 2:00 pm at the BCSC Soccer Complex. The Royals advanced with a 3-2 victory over Franklin Central in the first match on Wednesday. Photo: Christian Cardoso scored Columbus North’s first goal in a 2-1 Sectional soccer victory over Franklin Community.