INDIANAPOLIS – Junior Nathan White scored late in the first half, but the Columbus North boys soccer team was unable to hold the lead as it ended with a 1-1 draw against Perry Meridian.

                Sophomore Vanlian Ceu tied the game in the 53rd minute for the Falcons, and that is how things concluded for the game played on the field at Mary Bryan Elementary School.

                Columbus North senior Colvin Iorio played the full 80 minutes in goal, making five saves.

                For the game, Perry Meridian (5-1-1) totaled 16 shots and six shots on goal. Columbus North (3-1-4) countered with 12 shots but just two shots on goal.

                The Bull Dogs scored their goal in the 39th minute. After working the ball outside the Perry Meridian penalty area, sophomore Mateo Mendez eluded several defenders and pierced the left side of the defense. He followed with a sharp pass to White, who proceeded to find the net from about 12 yards out.

                White finished with four shots and both CN shots on goal. Junior Jesse Williams tallied three shots, while Mendez and freshman Aidan Whitley each provided two shots. Freshman Christian Cordosa had one shot.

                At the JV level, the Bull Dogs and Falcons played to a 0-0 deadlock. Columbus North had 24 shots and eight shots on goal. Perry Meridian countered with 11 shots and seven shots on goal. Sophomore Lukas Iorio and freshman Dylan Diaz each played one half in the nets to share the shutout for the Bull Dogs (4-2-2). Iorio made three saves, and Diaz made four saves.

                Columbus North returns to action on Friday (Sept. 11) when it hosts Class 3A No. 7 Carmel at Richard Wigh Soccer Complex. The JV game begins at 6 p.m., and the varsity follows about 7:30 p.m. The Bull Dogs follow by hosting East Central on Monday (Sept. 14) back at the Wigh Complex.

AT MARY BRYAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Columbus North ….…. 1   0 – 1

Perry Meridian ……….. 0   1 – 1

                CN – Nathan White (Mateo Mendez), 39th minute

                PM – Vanlian Ceu (unassisted) 53rd minute