Iowa City Regina’s boys soccer team secured a place in the state championship after a 1‑0 victory over West Central Valley, a result that was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout.
A Milestone Within Reach
The match stretched into overtime, with neither side finding the net during regulation or the first extra period. When the shootout began, midfielder‑turned‑goalie Evan Greve stepped up and delivered the decisive save that kept the Regals ahead.
Kevyn Dominguez and Jackson Kopecky converted their penalty kicks to seal the win, while Laird Holden’s late chances in the second overtime were denied by West Central Valley goalkeeper Mason Fortney, who made 12 saves throughout the game.
Coach Rick Larew praised the team’s resilience, noting that controlling the first and last five minutes of each half would be crucial against their upcoming opponent. He also highlighted Greve’s emergence as one of the state’s most reliable net‑minders.
Regina now prepares to meet the winner of West Sioux and St. Albert in the final, a contest that could see the Regals tie Iowa City West for the most boys soccer state titles in Iowa history. A victory would also mark the program’s first championship since 2019.
West Central Valley, finishing the season at 15‑2‑1, concludes a run that included six appearances at the state tournament. Their goalkeeper, Mason Fortney, made 12 saves in the loss, underscoring the defensive battle that defined the match. Other contributors such as Aiden Clauson, Garret Wolfe, and Eli McKown helped shape a resilient Regals side.