The Waterloo soccer team poses with the regional title plaque following Saturday’s win over Columbia. For more photos from the game, click here. (Alan Dooley photo)

The reigning Class 2A state champion Waterloo Bulldogs (17-3-3) soccer defeated cross-county rivals Columbia (16-3-4) in the title match of the Columbia Regional, 3-1.

The ‘Dogs took an early lead courtesy of Ben Huels, who continued his spectacular 2016 run with 27 goals scored so far, with a goal 1:33 into the game. Columbia’s Connor Jackson, who led the Eagles in goals with 14, answered to tie the score at 1-1 with 17:15 remaining in the first half. There the scoring would end for the remainder of regulation play.

Waterloo came out strong in the first overtime with another quick score, less than two minutes in, by Philip Most, the ‘Dogs’ second most prolific scorer with 18 on the season. In overtime No. 2, Most would show up again for the ‘Dogs, netting a goal at 7:54 to make the score 3-1 and secure the ‘Dogs’ regional win.

Sectional play will begin Tuesday on the ‘Dogs’ home turf. They will take the field Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. against Carbondale in the first round of the Waterloo Sectional. The sectional final will be Friday at 7 p.m.

For the full story and photos from the game, pick up the Oct. 26 issue of the Republic-Times.