Community defeated the Normal West Wildcats 5–3 in a comeback victory Oct. 14, clinching the Intercity title and a share of the Big 12 Conference championship.

The Ironmen opened the match aggressively, taking a 1–0 lead just 44 seconds in when a Cooper Lee free kick deflected off the Wildcat goalkeeper’s hand and ricocheted into the net.

But West quickly responded to tie the game at one midway 32:46 to play in the first half.

12 minutes later, Lee threaded a pass to Kyle Hatcher, who sunk a shot from outside the penalty box to put the Iron back on top.  

West scored twice in a span of 29 seconds to take a 3-2 lead with 23:25 remaining in the first half.  

Logan Lelm scored the equalizer before halftime for the Iron on a penalty kick. The senior drove his shot low to the right past a diving Wildcat goalkeeper to knot the score at 3.

Early in the second half, senior forward Believe Avida broke through to give the Ironmen a 4–3 lead.

Joyce Lubika sealed the win with a fifth goal, needling a shot past four defenders, to cap a back-and-forth offensive performance.

After the contest, senior goalie Kai White said he was satisfied with the result despite surrendering three goals to the crosstown rival.

“I’m feeling pretty happy right now,” White said. “I didn’t have my best game, but the team picked me up today, and we got that win.”

Head coach Mr. Matt Chapman said the victory showcased how far the team has come after battling early-season injuries.

“These past couple weeks have been the first time we’ve been able to put our full lineup on the field,” Chapman said. “We’re starting to come together at the right time, and I’m proud of these guys.”

At halftime, Chapman said, the team focused on one simple goal: win the second half.

The team entered that half focused on “play[ing] solid defense” to put the game away, he said.

The win, the coach said, is “a confidence builder. We’ve had big goals since the start of the season, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.”

Gallery • 7 Photos

Lyra Townsend

The soccer team improved to 15-3-3 with their home victory over the Wildcats and 9-0-1 in Big 12 play.