Columbus North High School

October 22, 2022 - Cathedral High School boys soccer team’s 10-8-5 record entering Saturday’s State Semifinal match against fourth-ranked Columbus North didn’t seem that impressive, but they were classic examples of getting hot at the right time. The Irish were winners of their last five matches, including an upset of Carmel in last week’s Regional Final. The Bull Dogs, however, entered the match having won eleven straight (and 14 of their last 15) matches. The Bull Dogs prevailed 2-1 to earn a spot in next weekend’s State Finals at IUPUC against Noblesville. The Millers reached the Finals with a 3-2 victory over Penn High School. Thomas De la Cruz broke a scoreless tie with a goal in the 33rd minute for the Bull Dogs, who took a 1-0 lead into halftime. Aidan Whitley scored an insurance goal off a De la Cruz throw-in assist in the 79th minute. A penalty kick goal by the Irish in the closing seconds proved how important Whitley’s goal was for the Bull Dogs, who went on to a 2-1 victory. Oscar Ballinas and Max Grewe shared the goal-keeping responsibilities once again for the Bull Dogs (19-1-1). Ballinas was credited with three saves, and Grewe with two. The Bull Dogs outshot the Irish 16-12 and held a 7-6 advantage in shots-on-goal for the match. The Bull Dogs will face Noblesville at 1:30 pm on Saturday, October 29 at Carroll Stadium on the campus of IUPUI. Photo: The Columbus North Bull Dogs boys soccer team celebrates a State Semi-final victory over Cathedral on October 22. The Dogs will face Noblesville (15-3-3) in the State Championship match at IUPUI next weekend.