Topeka Capital Journal
This game doesn’t define everything else that they’ve done' Shawnee Heights soccer falls in regional finals
The best season in Shawnee Heights soccer history came to a damp and disappointing end Thursday at Bettis Family Sports Complex.
The 5-0 loss to defending 5A champion Aquinas shouldn’t define the T-Birds’ season, coach Nic Simons implored his team as they huddled in a steady rain.
“I’ve said it numerous times to anyone who will listen: this is a special group,” Simons said. “We’ve played through a lot of adversity. This isn’t an excuse, but not one game did we have all eleven starters. Their accomplishments are just amazing. This game doesn’t define everything else that they’ve done.”
Those accomplishments include a 15-3 record and a United Kansas Conference title. The T-Birds survived a 1-0 battle with Highland Park Tuesday to advance to the regional final, in which they hosted seventh seeded Aquinas.
But their hands were full with the defending champs. Aquinas grabbed a 1-0 advantage on a goal by Cooper Welsh early, then held off Shawnee Heights, who played the first half with a strong wind at their backs. The Saints’ defense permitted zero shots on goal in the first half that was played predominantly at the T-Bird’s end.
Once the field was flipped in the second half, Shawnee Heights couldn’t hold back the floodgates. With the wind at their backs, Aquinas blasted four goals in quick succession to put the game away.
“We played well overall the first half, but I think the wind kind of zapped our strength in the second half,” Simons said.
The Saints, who blasted Pittsburg Colgan in the opening round of the playoffs, now advance to the Regional Quarterfinals on Tuesday.
“Give it up to St. Thomas (Aquinas). If they’re not in the state championship, I would be surprised,” Simons said. “They’re not a seven seed. They’re a top four seed. They play a heck of a schedule.
“But we put ourselves in a position to host, and that’s really all we can ask for.”
Simons wasn’t shocked that the Saints kept Shawnee Heights on the defensive the entire night.
“I think defensively we’ve been solid all year,” Simons said. “We kept possession pretty well, but we’ve lacked overall that killer ‘Let’s put teams away’ killer mentality.
“But I leave here tonight with my heart full, knowing that these kids have worked their tails off. Obviously, it didn’t end like we wanted. But I’m pretty pleased with how they played."
Aquinas (13-4-1) 1 4 — 5
Shawnee Heights (15-3) 0 0 — 0
Aquinas — Goals: Konnesky 2, Welsh, LeBourveau, Hall. Assists: Ryan 2, Muckerman, Mason. Shutout: Diggs and Seger.
Comments
Post a Comment