DES MOINES - The Washington boys soccer team ended its season on a controversial goal by Iowa City West in a 2-1 loss in the first round of the state tournament at
the Cownie Soccer Complex.

With the score tied 1-1 in the 59th minute, the Trojans' Nick Kuntz let go a long shot from way outside the box and it bounced off of teammate Justin Baker’s head and into the Washington goal. The sideline judge put up his flag signaling offsides but after a conference with the head official, they decided that Baker didn’t touch the ball and the goal was counted.

“None of the officials saw it hit his head,” Washington Coach J.P. Graham said. “We had a good view of it, because we could see it deflect. It was going right at our keeper then all the sudden it took a left turn and went into the side netting. Physics could tell you that ball hit somebody's head.”

Baker admitted that the ball went off of his head, although he didn’t think that he was offsides in the first place.

“That’s the game of soccer," Graham said. “Sometimes a call doesn’t go your way and down here one call like that can be the difference in the game.”

The Warriors got off to an early lead when senior Brandon Besong hit a shot from about 35 yards out that skipped into the net past the outstretched Trojan keeper.

Washington held that lead until the second half when Mueng Sunday found Baker in a good position and played a through ball to him and Baker converted to tie the game 1-1.

“We got caught watching a couple times and that led to that first goal,” Graham said. “Three or four guys kind of stabbed at Sunday and he was able to slot the ball through and the kid hit a good shot.”

After the Trojans took the lead, Washington had 20 minutes to answer. The Warriors were able to create a couple of good chances, but couldn’t punch one in and the Trojans advanced to the second round.

“We still had some opportunities and we worked hard in the second half to try to get it back,” Graham said. “The kids followed the game plan, but that’s the way it goes.”

Iowa City West 2, Washington 1
Goals -- ICW: Justin Baker (49th min), Nick Kuntz (59th min). CRW: Brandon Besong (3rd min). Assists -- West: Mueng Sunday