The Ironmen secured their spot in the IHSA 3A Soccer Sectional Final for the first time since 2018, defeating the Moline Maroons in a penalty shootout on Oct. 29.

Community heads to Alton Nov. 1 to take on the Edwardsville Tigers thanks to outsourcing the Maroons 5-4 in penalty kicks.

For the second straight season, the Iron and Maroons were even at the end of regulation in the Sectional Semi contest.

Logan Lelm gave Community a 1-0 advantage with 22 minutes to play in the second half off an assist by Joyce Lubika.

That lead was short lived as Moline erased the deficit with a penalty kick just three minutes later.

As the match headed into overtime, the Ironmen couldn’t help but be reminded of 2023, sophomore defender Griffin Tierney said.

Tierney wasn’t on the roster then, but was in the crowd watching as the Maroons ended the Iron’s season with seven seconds to play in the game’s second overtime.

History would not repeat itself, though, as the team’s were deadlocked 1-1 at the end of two overtime periods, sending the contest to penalties.

The Iron and Maroons matched each other shot for shot on their first three attempts, with Believe Avida, Jayden Orrick and Lubika netting goals for Community.

On Moline’s fourth attempt, senior keeper Bode Thompson issued a denial.

Moline was unable to do the same when Logan Lelm stepped up to the penalty mark, as the junior put Community ahead 4-3.

After the Maroons converted their final attempt, Drew Parker sealed the victory for the Iron, sending the team onto Nov. 1’s Sectional Championship.

Community takes on a 13-8-1 Edwardsville Tigers team that is riding a four-game winning streak in Alton at 6 p.m.

Tonight’s winner will head to Nov. 5’s Super Sectionals at Community, taking on the winner of the matchup between West Aurora and Naperville Central.