Soccer roundup: Pioneers hang tough, but fall in opener

For its first opponent of the new year, the Leavenworth boys’ soccer team drew a tough draw.

Competing in the Fat Cat Tournament at Blue Valley West, the Pioneers took on the highly-skilled host Jaguars. After trailing 2-0 at half, Leavenworth continued to battle before eventually losing 4-1 Tuesday.

“I thought we did well,” LV coach Ken Lott said. “The kids made comments that they felt like they are a lot better than last year and we just need to refine some of the things we have.”

Cameron Hayes tallied Leavenworth’s lone goal, which came in the second half.

Leavenworth, 0-1, will play at 4 p.m. Thursday in the next round of the Fat Cat Tournament.

Spires dropped by Pirates

The University of Saint Mary men’s soccer team started the 2012 season with a road loss Tuesday.

Christian Smith scored twice for the Spires, but Park University proved too tough and beat USM 5-2.

Saint Mary, 0-1, will play on the road again at 6:30 p.m. Thursday versus Central Christian.