If soccer matches were decided on scoring chances, or shots, or time of possession - really almost any other measurable statistic - Century would be atop the West Region boys soccer standings.

But as CHS coach Joel Jahnke likes to say, soccer is a game where goals matter.

And despite outplaying another good opponent in another big game, the Patriots had to settle for a 1-1 tie with archrival Bismarck on Thursday night.

For the young Demons, it was a very satisfying result against the defending state champs - who still have just one loss on the season.

"We've progressed pretty well," said senior forward Kevin Kraft, who scored the game-tying goal for the Demons. "We had some players step up lately. We've had great play all around, and Ijust hope we can take this into state."

Although Century remains a point behind Bismarck for second place in the West Region standings, the Patriots (4-1-2 West Region, 7-1-3 overall) still have the inside track to earn the No. 2 seed.

Nonetheless, Century has controlled all four games against the other top teams in the West - St. Mary's and Bismarck - but has only a 1-1-2 mark to show for it.

"I'm not very concerned," Jahnke said. "I thought we played well. These are valuable lessons that I think, in the end, are going to pay off."

Each team's best chance in the first half came off headers on corner kicks, but keepers Connor Kelley and Michael Frenzel made the stops.

Century was getting the better of the play though, and the Patriots were finally rewarded with a little bit of good luck.

In the 51st minute, Jake Gartner took a low shot from 28 yards that bounded between the legs of Kelley, giving Century a 1-0 lead. It was Gartner's third goal of the year.

It looked like that would hold up until Kaleb Graham set up Kraft, who scored the equalizer from 20 yards out with 12:30 to go.

"It just came off my knee, and it came right in front of me and I just shot it," Kraft said.

Each team had its chances to win in the closing minutes - Century on a header by Peter Pomonis and a direct kick from Nick Anderson, Bismarck on a through ball to Randy Tardif.

"I'm pretty happy with a 1-1 result tonight," BHS coach Tim Green said. "The way that we're trying to approach the game is that defense wins. We're not trying to control the ball - we're trying to control that scoreboard."

With the tie, the Demons are 5-2-1 in the region, 7-4-1 overall and feeling optimistic about their postseason chances.

"We're going to make a lot of noise,"Green said.

Jahnke is equally confident about Century's chances, especially since he believes the Patriots - who are done with their games at the Bowl - are better on grass than artificial turf.

If the Patriots can learn to finish they appear primed to make a run at another state championship.

"I think it's going to come real hard and real fast when it matters," Jahnke said. "We're just going to keep plugging away."

First half:No scoring.

Second half:1. C, Jake Gartner (Aaron Nelson), 50:30. 2. B, Kevin Kraft (Kaleb Graham), 67:30.

Halftime: C 0, B 0.

Goalkeeper saves: B - Connor Kelley 14. C - Michael Frenzel 6.

Yellow cards: None. Red cards:None.

Records:B 5-2-1 West Region, 7-4-1 overall. C 4-1-2, 7-1-3.