Wildcats win fourth game in six days after victory over Ottawa

Louisburg senior Treston Carlson takes a shot on goal Thursday during the Wildcats’ win over Ottawa.

For the fourth time in six days, the Louisburg boys soccer team took to the pitch and one might expect that it would be a little worn down.

It was quite the opposite.

The Wildcats jumped on Ottawa in the first half Thursday at Wildcat Sports Complex and never let up as they downed the Cyclones, 4-0, and have won six straight to start their season. It was just the week the Wildcats were hoping for.

“I was worried what our legs were going to be like, as well as, where we would be mentally,” Louisburg coach Kyle Conley said. “Four games in six days is an absolute brutal stretch, but it was really nice for us to make it through there with positive results. It was also nice to be able to play almost every player on the varsity roster in a lot of those games. It allowed us to stay as fresh as we could, and also gain a lot of valuable experience for our reserves.”

Louisburg (6-0) took an early lead on the Cyclones on a goal from sophomore Colin McManigal, and then just a few minutes later, junior Braden Yows converted a penalty kick to put the Wildcats up 2-0.

It stayed that way until halftime, and it was then, the Wildcats tacked on to their lead. Senior Treston Carlson scored early in the second half and McManigal found the back of the net for his second goal to seal the win for Louisburg.

“The boys played really well and did a great job of limiting their chances and forcing our style of play on the game,” Conley said. “We played with a massive amount of energy and absolutely controlled the midfield. I was really excited how we played and how much energy we played with.  Our boys set the tone from the start of the game.”

During this long stretch, the Wildcat defense has played well as they have posted three straight shutouts and have allowed just two goals in the last four matches.

Defenders Luke Faulkner, Toby Espina-Roca, Hunter Rogers, Michael Seuferling, Ethan Showalter and goalie Mack Newell made several plays in the last week, as they did Thursday against Ottawa.

“The defense has been playing really well with having four shutouts in our first six games,” Conley said. “The boys are playing hard and building chemistry each and every time out. They are doing really well limiting the opponents’ chances.”

Louisburg will try and keep its undefeated season alive this week as the Wildcats travel to Tonganoxie and Baldwin. It was Baldwin that took Louisburg to overtime, before the Wildcats scored a golden goal to win it.

The Wildcats resume play Tuesday at Tonganoxie. Junior varsity will start at 4:30 p.m., and varsity will follow.

“I spoke to the boys about that Friday at practice,” Conley said. “Last week was great, but it was over. We need to focus on Tongie and the rematch with Baldwin. We will be ready and prepared for this week, and next for that matter, as we take on four of the best teams in our league. After these two weeks we will have a great idea where we stand going forward.”