Eddy Fuentes-Cruz of Webster City completes a corner kick during a substate match against Decorah on Tuesday. (DFJ photo by David Borer)

The seventh-ranked (Class 2A) Webster City boys soccer team moved one step closer to a return to state with a 3-1 win over Decorah here Tuesday evening.

Eddy Fuentes-Cruz recorded a hat trick, scoring twice in the opening 22 minutes. He added an insurance goal in the 79th minute for the Lynx (15-0 overall), who now face No. 9 Aplington-Parkersburg on Thursday at home for the Substate 2 title.

During the regular season, Webster City posted a 7-1 victory over the Falcons (11-3-1), who scored a 7-1 decision vs. Hampton-Dumont/CAL in the semifinals. The Lynx have won all four meetings in the series.

Israel Torres found Fuentes-Cruz for the first goal 11 minutes into the match with David Villelas landing a perfect pass to him to make it 2-0. Wilmer Padilla Chavez earned the third and final assist.

“It was a great match,” WCHS head coach Craig Signorin said. “Decorah played some really quality teams, so we didn’t get hung up on their record. They were solid on film and even better in person. They challenged us at every level and we took advantage of what they gave us.

“It took us a little bit to get settled in, but Eddy helped with a rocket from about 25 yards. He had a great night.”

Fuentes-Cruz now has 41 goals on the year after surpassing 100 for his career earlier this year. He leads the state while achieving just the 22nd season with 40 goals scored in Iowa high school boys soccer history.

The Vikings (6-8-4) got a goal by Webster City keeper Edwin Ramos Nolasco in the second half but that was all, as the sophomore made eight saves.

“Edwin was switched on all game and he had to be,” Signorin said. “Decorah’s center back could throw it a mile and every throw in was a goal scoring opportunity. Edwin played super aggressive and challenged every ball, making some quality saves along the way.

“He probably wants the goal he gave up back but his midfield didn’t do him any favors getting back in Decorah’s build up.”

The other 2A championships will feature No. 2 Bishop Heelan vs. MOC-Floyd Valley, sixth-ranked Burlington Notre Dame vs. No. 10 Maquoketa, top-ranked Gilbert vs. Des Moines Christian, No. 4 Sioux Center vs. Sergeant Bluff-Luton, eighth-rated Perry vs. Knoxville, No. 5 Williamsburg vs. Mount Pleasant and third-ranked Cedar Rapids Xavier vs. Dubuque Wahlert.