Jonathan Nunez

ANKENY — The ninth-ranked Ankeny Centennial boys’ soccer team scored twice in the second half to eliminate Marshalltown from Tuesday’s Class 4A Substate 3 semifinals, winning 2-0.

The Bobcats (9-6-2) were outshot 19-13 by the host Jaguars (13-5), who advance to face No. 6 Ames (13-3-1) in Thursday’s substate semifinals.

Centennial beat Ames 4-2 to start the win streak it extended to six games with Tuesday’s victory over the Bobcats. It’s also the fourth-straight shutout win for the Jaguars, who got five saves from freshman goalkeeper Will Kreuger.

MHS keeper Jonathan Nunez made nine saves in net, but Centennial scored both of its goals on rebound chances. Nunez stopped Tate Duax on a penalty kick in the 43rd minute, but Alen Mujakovic was first to the loose ball and stuffed it into an open net.

Nunez withstood another shot by Ben Ridlen in the 60th minute, but Kaikungi Byauunda beat the Bobcat defense to the rebound for the Jaguars’ second goal.

Marshalltown continued to apply pressure despite the two-goal deficit. David Monge Sanchez recorded a shot on goal in the 68th minute that Kreuger denied, and the crossbar rejected Joel Ortiz’s attempt at a bicycle kick in the 70th minute.

The Bobcats lost some steam with 5:11 remaining when a red card left the team shorthanded for the remainder. Marshalltown was whistled for 18 fouls, including seven yellow cards, in their season finale.