Chieftain soccer blanks Maranatha in regional opener
The Tonganoxie High girls soccer team opened a 3-0 halftime lead and cruised to a 5-0 win in its regional opener Tuesday against Maranatha Christian Academy.
Sixth-seeded THS (8-7), which now has a winning record for the first time this season, got a game-high two goals from senior Molly Welsh. Sophomore Morgan Galvin and juniors Emily Soetaert and Madison Simmons added one goal apiece in the win against the No. 11 Eagles (3-9).
The shutout was the second of the season for the THS defense, led by freshman goalkeeper Lauren Jackson and junior defender Aly Bartholomew.
“We dominated from the opening whistle,” coach Justin Seever said. “They had a couple dangerous possessions in the first half, but we kind of stymied them. It was one of our better looking games of the year.”
With the win, Seever’s squad advances to the regional finals for the second straight year. It will take on Sumner Academy (5-2-3) at 5 p.m. Thursday in Kansas City, Kan. The third-seeded Sabres received a first-round bye.
“We’re pretty excited,” Seever said. “We weren’t overly happy about our record going into regionals, but we want to get another plaque. We want to battle one of the top eight teams for a trip to state.”
Thursday’s game will played at City Park, 2601 Park Drive, Kansas City, Kan.