Waterloo, Columbia and Gibault entered Class 2A regional action this week playing some of their best soccer. But who will be the last team standing?

For the first time in program history, the Bulldogs completed a perfect 10-0 showing in the Mississippi Valley Conference with a 4-0 win Thursday at Triad. 

Danny Tharp, Hayden Reese, Josh Kaiping and Caden Gordon netted the goals for Waterloo.

The victory also marked the 300th of head coach Chad Holden’s career and was the team’s fifth straight shutout.

“Winning conference is always special, but to go 10-0 in our conference is amazing,” Holden said. “I could not be more proud of our young men.  They have really stepped up their game lately and they have been a lot of fun to watch and coach.”

Waterloo’s Caden Gordon moves the ball ahead during a recent game against Mascoutah. (Alan Dooley photo)

Holden thanked a “great supporting cast” for helping him achieve the coaching milestone.

“Coach Prather and Coach Augustine have been by my side for many years as coaches and ex-players and I couldn’t ask for a better coaching staff,” Holden said. “We have also had many great players come through the program. Not sure where the time went.  Feels like yesterday that I coached my first game against Mater Dei in 1998. 

“Also a shout out to my wife Heather and thanks for all those late night suppers and always being by my side.”

Waterloo (14-8) opened Class 2A Bethalto Regional with a win against Jacksonville on Tuesday. Gordon scored both goals. Jacksonville eliminated the Bulldogs last season in a thrilling sectional title game.

Justin Kohler leads the ‘Dogs in scoring this season with 18 goals and 10 assists, followed by Caden Gordon with 14 goals and 12 assists.

Cross-town rival Gibault is also in the Bethalto Regional. The two will meet in the regional final on Saturday for a spot in the Columbia Sectional.

Gibault (12-6-3) won its final regular season game, 2-1, Thursday over Belleville West on senior night. 

Aaron Grohmann and Karson Huels scored goals for the Hawks, who defeated Jerseyville, 6-1, to open regional play Tuesday.

“(We) look good heading into the playoffs, with the team healthy and strong at all positions,” Gibault head coach Darryn Haudrich said last week. “Though faced with greater challenges ahead, with transitioning to 2A, we foresee a deep postseason push. 

“Given the caliber of opponents faced during the regular season, the Hawks are a tough, battle-tested squad ready for a shot at the 2A state title.”

Huels leads the Hawks with 15 goals and seven assists, followed by Logan Doerr with eight goals and five assists.

Columbia completed an undefeated regular season at 22-0-2 with a 3-1 victory at home last Wednesday against Belleville West. The two teams raised funds for Siteman Cancer Center and dressed in pink-themed uniforms as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Jake Bridges, Tyler Hoguet and Sam Spivey scored goals in the win for the Eagles, who host their own sectional and began play in the Class 2A Mascoutah Regional against Highland on Tuesday, winning 2-0.

The Eagles will play either Mascoutah or Triad for the regional title on Saturday.

Riley Hubler leads Columbia in scoring with 24 goals and five assists, followed by Sam Spivey with 14 goals and four assists, Jake Bridges with nine goals and three assists, and Alex Barton with eight goals and 13 assists.

Eagles goalkeeper Jon Kuebler has been phenomenal in net, posting a .934 save percentage.

The winner of the Columbia Sectional final on Oct. 27 advances to the Springfield Supersectional on Halloween night.

The IHSA Class 2A state soccer tournament takes place Nov. 3-4 at Hoffman Estates High School.