SHREVEPORT —  Caddo Magnet ended New Iberia Senior High’s amazing soccer run Saturday as the Mustangs eliminated NISH 2-0 in the first round of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association Division I soccer playoffs.

The No. 1 ranked Mustangs recorded a first half goal, then iced the game late with a second goal as NISH ended its season with a 20-4-2 record.

Caddo Magnet advances to play Dutchtown in the regionals.

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“The boys played their hearts out against a great team who I was told is ranked No. 7 in the nation,” said NISH coach Kevin Hardy. “They did not look like the best team in the state because we frustrated them by taking them out of their game.

“I guess they expected us to lay down like most third seeds would have done but I told the boys we were not a typical third seed. We were by far the best third place team in the state.

“One thing the boys learned this year is that we can play with anyone and we are not intimidated by anyone. If we play our style of cautious aggression, we give people trouble.”

NISH goalie Justin Hebert stopped one shot in the first half but was unable to control the ball and Caddo Magnet put the rebound shot into the back of the net for a 1-0 lead that the Mustangs were able to hold until halftime.

While the Jackets had several good scoring chances in the second half, it was the Mustangs that got on the board in the second half as a blocked shot in the box went right back to the shooter who put his second try into the net for the game-clincher.

“We are all sorry to see the season come to an close but we will cherish the memories of what we accomplished,” said Hardy. “The coaching staff worked hard to help the boys keep perspective on what they achieved no matter what happened against Caddo.

“There were plenty of positives to look back on: school records for wins, losses, goals scored, goals allowed and shutouts.

“We went seven weeks without losing, we won the Louisiana Showcase Tournament, we were co-champions in district and we went to the playoffs for the first time.”

Hardy complimented his team on the season.

“I am going to greatly miss this group of seniors,” said the NISH coach. “I told the rest of the team that it was our privilege to be on board the senior’s trip this season. Having 13 seasoned veterans leading us was crucial. I coached 11 of these young men since they were freshmen.

“I told them four years ago that if they stayed together they would accomplish a lot and they did. This group won more games than any other in our programs history. I also believe this group’s accomplishments will be a big boost to our program in the future.”