HAMPTON — From 30 yards out in the second overtime, Webster City freshman Magdiel Magdaleno lined up for his free kick. In these situations, the midfielder holds plenty of options — from finding a streaking teammate for a header to playing it safe and connecting with an open teammate for a closer shot on goal.

Magdaleno chose the third option — sailing over the keeper and targeting the upper-left corner of the net.

The shot flew true, propelling the Lynx to a 2-1, sudden death victory over Hampton-Dumont-CAL in a North Central Conference tilt held last Thursday at Bulldog Stadium.

While WCHS head boys’ soccer coach Craig Signorin was elated from the victory, the Lynx had overcome injuries — which included their goalkeeper, left back and left mid.

“(Sophomore Conner Peck) won a free kick from around 30 yards,” Signorin said. “Magdiel hit an absolute stunner for the match winner. Nothing is ever easy on us, but it’s never going to be. We haven’t had the same starting 11 in two of our five games.”

“We only had two players off the bench,” Signorin added. “We fought hard, played safe and smart through the majority of the time. We came away with a great win against a very well coached and talented team.”

Despite dealing with depth issues since their season opener, the Lynx improved to 4-1 overall and 4-1 within the NCC. The Bulldogs were knocked off the ranks of the unbeaten, dropping to 4-1 in league play and 4-1 overall.

At 7:30 p.m. tonight, the Lynx will seek to keep their three-match winning streak alive against Iowa Falls-Alden. The NCC fixture between Webster City and the Cadets will take place at Cadet Field in Iowa Falls.

The Lynx struck first in hostile territory, as senior Everardo Hernandez connected with junior Eddy Fuentes on a throw-in. Fuentes made good with his opportunity, and made his fifth goal of the 2023 campaign.

Webster City had more opportunities on goal, thanks to having the wind behind them. However, the Bulldogs were able to hold the Lynx in check for the rest of the first half.

At the break, the Lynx latched onto their narrow 1-0 lead.

In the 51st minute, Hampton-Dumont-CAL found the back of the net, by way of a penalty kick. While junior Aiden Rahe held down the goal for the match’s first 60 minutes, Signorin decided to place junior Eduardo Perez in front of the net and moved Rahe to the back line.

The Lynx continued to apply pressure on the Bulldogs, with Fuentes and Hernandez threatening the net on multiple occasions. In the first overtime, Perez came up with a clutch fingertip save over the crossbar.

Going into the second extra period, the Lynx were prepared to play for the shootout, according to Signorin. However, Magdaleno’s miracle goal from 30 years out eased the Lynx’s collective minds.

Following the win, Signorin also gave credit to his back line — Rahe, Peck, senior Oscar Interiano, senior Pedro Zen, junior Francisco Arguera Chavez, senior Adan Perez and senior Isaac Haule — for their chemistry and sturdy defense.

“I can give them enough praise,” Signorin said. “They play well together, and together, they keep the dangerous attacks outside of our box.”