Even though the No. 9-ranked (Class 3A) Webster City boys’ soccer team played in tight fixtures in the beginning stages of the 2023 season, the Lynx were bound to put up big numbers — sooner or later.

In their fourth match of the campaign, the purple and gold made it more so sooner, rather than later.

Playing host to Belmond-Klemme/Wright County in a North Central Conference contest, which took place this past Monday at Lynx Field in Webster City, Webster City generated offensive firepower in an 8-0 rout.

Junior Eddy Fuentes had the magic touch against WCS, scoring his first hat trick of the season with goals in the 28th minute, 34th minute and in the 46th minute. Junior Eduardo Perez complemented his teammate with two goals — with scores in the 43rd and 53rd minutes.

Senior Jon Magdaleno also picked up his first clean sheet of the season.

“There was nothing to complain about,” said Craig Signorin, WCHS boys’ head soccer coach. “We wanted to score early and often, and keep it zero at the back. The boys executed what we wanted from them. It was fun watching the creativity they played with in our offensive third. We finished extremely well, too.

Signorin also made mention of his bench receiving some valuable time on the pitch.

“It was nice getting our reserves some time, they came in and played really well for us,” Signorin said.

With the victory, the Lynx leveled up to a 3-1 record with the same mark within the NCC. Belmond-Klemme/Wright County dipped down to 1-2 in NCC play and 3-4 overall.

Webster City will now gear up for another high stakes NCC fixture, traveling north and east to face Hampton-Dumont-CAL at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday in Hampton. The Bulldogs (3-0, 3-0 NCC) defeated Garner-Hayfield-Ventura on Monday in Garner.

The Lynx jumped on the board at the 21st minute, as Perez connected with a dipping ball over a wall of WCS defenders for the initial score. Seven minutes later, freshman Wilmer Padilla Chavez and teammate Magdiel Magdaleno sliced through defenders, before providing a touch for Fuentes — who tapped in an easy score.

The 34th minute saw Magdiel Magdaleno driving down the field again, providing Fuentes with a splendid touch. Fuentes, who was streaking down the pitch, defeated the keeper and put the ball into the back of the net.

Two minutes later, the roles reversed, as Fuentes dished out a quick corner kick to Magdiel Magdaleno, who beat a WCS defender before putting in the Lynx’s four goal of the first half.

At intermission, the Lynx established a pronounced 4-0 advantage.

Returning from the break, Perez got in on the action, scoring off a throw-in by Magdiel Magdaleno. No more than three minutes later, Magdaleno won a ball in the middle before assisting Fuentes on a touch and run-through.

Combination play between Fuentes and Perez was behind the seventh goal of the match, as Fuentes gave Perez the assist in the 53rd minute. The Lynx then sealed the victory by way of a penalty kick, as Magdaleno attracted the kick before senior Isaac Haule finished the play with a successful score.

Fuentes had two assists to go along with his hat trick, while Magdaleno racked up a game-high four assists. The Lynx defense also locked down on the Broncos, allowing just two shots on goal and three corner kicks.