Soccer roundup: Pioneers can't hang on in regionals

The unthinkable was turning believable.

Thanks to a first-half strike from Matt Hanson, the Leavenworth boys’ soccer teams was 40 minutes away from its biggest win in years.

After its first regional victory in over a decade, the Pioneers earned the privilege to travel to Kansas City Harmon Tuesday for the semifinals. Harmon was 15-1, the No. 1 seed and a heavy favorite heading into the Class 5A match.

Yet, the Pioneers showed little fright and Hanson’s goal struck fear deep into the hearts of the hosts. Eventually though, that anxiety dissipated as the upset bid turned chalk following three second-half scores.

In the end, Harmon defeated Leavenworth 3-1.

“We were playing real well in the first half,” LV coach Ken Lott said. “I think we played our best ball in that first half, but in the second the little mistakes just piled up. Then they had the wind and we made a couple of mistakes and it kind of snowballed.”

With the defeat, the Pioneers finished the season 3-15. But despite the poor record, steps were made in the right direction according to Lott.

“I think most of the kids started to believe in what we are trying to do here this season,” he said. “I believe we began to change the culture of this team and create a positive outlook for the kids.”

Lions give up late goal

A tough Blue Valley Southwest squad wasn’t the only adversary the Lansing boys’ soccer team faced Tuesday.

Competing in its opening Class 5A regional match, the Lions wrestled all night long with and against a forceful breeze.

“I would’ve liked to play a game without the wind because everyone was playing with 12 people, their 11 players plus the wind,” Lansing coach Randy Brown said. “It was blowing pretty hard, but both teams dealt with it the best they could.”

After starting with the heavy gusts to its back, the Lions failed to capitalized on the increased possession. Following a 0-0 first half, Southwest experienced the same troubles until a well-timed cross found a Timberwolf head. The preceding score came in 68th minute and 12 minutes later Lansing lost 1-0.

“Jimmy Bormolini, Mason Ruff, Jake Nye all played great games,” Brown said. “It was very disappointing for our seniors, but that’s the way it goes. We played well and all-in-all it was a great game. We just didn’t put one in.”

The Lions finished the year 8-8-1.

Raiders fall at DeSoto

Tuesday marked the end of the season for the Immaculata soccer team.

The Raiders traveled to DeSoto for its first round regional match and fell 7-0 to its hosts.

“We played very well for about a half,” Imac coach Frank Mazeitis said. “Our defense did really good, but the midfield is where they attacked us. One, two passes through and then they just put it past Phillip (Hernandez).”

Three of the DeSoto goals came in the first half while the rest were tallied in the second. Imac recorded four shots on goal, all from Mark Hernanzed, while the home team had 35. Phillip Hernandez had 28 saves on the evening.

Immaculata finished the season 3-13-1.

“It was one of our better games today as we played with more heart,” Mazeitis said. “We went down fighting.”