Kaleab Wendy remembers the feeling of walking off the field at last year’s Class 4A state title soccer game. The Trojans fell just short in a close 3-2 battle to Johnston in Des Moines.
The losing feeling was one of anger, which turned into motivation at the start of the 2024 season.
"We had it 2-0 then losing 3-2 in the final, that was very upsetting," Wendy said. "Everybody came to the (new) season thinking that this year is to prove to everybody that we can win it."
Fast-forward to Thursday, the Trojans (12-1) are playing host to Waterloo West (8-6) in a 4A matchup.
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In the first half, Wendy settled the ball and then launched a shot that gave the Trojans a two-goal lead. In the second half, Wendy scored again to extend the advantage.
The 5-0 win over the Wahawks extended the Trojans’ unbeaten streak to 11 games. They are currently the fifth-ranked team in Class 4A and No. 8 in the state regardless of class.
Wendy attributes the Trojans’ success to consistency.
"We're playing as a team, everybody (is) doing their part," Wendy said. "As far as tonight, everybody is doing their part and we're winning games."
Since transferring from Regina Catholic to Iowa City West in 2023, Wendy has been an impactful player for the Trojans. During his first season, Wendy scored a team-high 15 goals and five assists as a junior. As a senior, he's currently at 11 goals and four assists.
His connection to soccer originated during his childhood years in Ethiopia. He wasn't a part of any soccer clubs growing up; instead, he competed on the streets where soccer is a mainstream sport played by nearly everyone.
Wendy moved to Iowa City in 2018. Now, he's taking the field in Class 4A action; a competitive environment he relishes.
"It's tough competition, I can't lie. We played hard teams back in Regina too...but playing completely different teams and playing a lot higher level than the rest; I think it's pretty good, I like it," Wendy said.
Teammate and Iowa City West junior Daniel Fuentes met Wendy when he moved to the United States. He applauded Wendy for his strong work ethic, playmaking abilities and support as a teammate.
"He's just a crucial player, he defends super hard and attacks super hard," Fuentes said. "He's a great player, I love playing with guys like that who just work really hard and are great players."
Wendy is motivated by last year's result and wants to rewrite history this season as a senior.
"Personally, it would mean a lot because I've never won a state championship. I've been to (the) semifinals and I've been to the finals; winning means a lot," Wendy said.
The Trojans will look to extend their unbeaten streak as they face both Muscatine (6-3) and Southeast Polk (7-5) on Saturday.
Marc Ray is the high school sports reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. He can be reached at MARay@gannett.com , and on X, formerly Twitter, at @themarcszn .
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Iowa City West’s Kaleab Wendy wants another shot at a soccer state title
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