COLUMBUS, Ohio — The dynasty thunders on.
Top-ranked Saint Ignatius defeated New Albany 2-0 Saturday at Columbus' Lower.com Field to win the OHSAA Division I boys soccer championship. It marks the fourth straight title for the Wildcats, and 12th overall.
Ignatius (21-2) dominated from start to finish, out-shooting the Eagles 26-7. However, the match was tied 0-0 at intermission, with New Albany goalkeeper Kyle Lapper notching three first-half saves.
Finally, in the 57th minute, Owen Maruca put the Wildcats on the board with an incredible header off a corner kick. 20 minutes later, Owen Sullivan put the game out of reach with a goal off the left post. The Eagles (16-2-3) managed just two shots on goal the entire game, with Patrick McLaughlin saving both of them.
Saint Ignatius entered the final showdown ranked fourth in the nation, according to United Soccer Coaches. While they are unlikely to win another national championship (their two losses came to No. 1 St. Benedict's Prep in New Jersey and No. 2 Calvert Hall in Maryland), they still firmly maintained their status as Ohio's best boys soccer program of the 21st century.
More high school sports headlines:
- Copley beats Waynesville 1-0 to win OHSAA Division II girls soccer state championship
- Iconic Saint Ignatius football coach Chuck Kyle's career ends with 28-7 loss to rival St. Edward in regional semifinals
- Cleveland Glenville LB and Ohio State commit Arvell Reese receives Army All-American Bowl Game jersey
- OHSAA investigating controversial ending of Strongsville-Walsh Jesuit girls soccer game
