The Columbia Central Golden Eagles saved the best for last Wednesday night, scoring with just 41 seconds remaining to defeat the Manchester Flying Dutchmen 1-0 and officially capture their third consecutive Cascades Conference championship!

Columbia entered the final conference match sitting atop the standings, but needing to face a Manchester squad that had not lost a game at home all season.

The Golden Eagles controlled much of the possession and outshot Manchester 14-5, but the unfamiliar artificial turf made it difficult for Columbia to settle into its normal rhythm. Manchester also defended extremely well, packing players in front of its goal and repeatedly blocking Columbia's attempts before they could reach the goalkeeper. The Flying Dutchmen created a few dangerous opportunities of their own, particularly on corner kicks, but the Golden Eagle defense held strong. As the clock wound down, the match appeared headed for a scoreless finish. Then, with just 41 seconds remaining, Columbia finally broke through! Senior captain Auden Kennedy pounced on a loose ball in front of the Manchester goal and poked it past the goalkeeper for the game-winner, setting off a huge Golden Eagle celebration! COLUMBIA 1 — MANCHESTER 0!

The victory gives Columbia Central a final 9-1 Cascades Conference record and secures the program's third straight conference championship after battling through the conference schedule against Grass Lake, Jonesville, Michigan Center, Manchester, and Leslie.

The Golden Eagles improve to 11-5 overall, but there isn't much time to celebrate. Columbia returns home Thursday for another major challenge against state-ranked Jackson Christian, a team with only two losses this season. One of those losses came against Columbia in a thrilling 2-1 Golden Eagle victory in the season opener.

Thursday vs. Jackson Christian @ Columbia Central - Varsity — 3:30 PM JV — to follow