Wildcats shutout Chanute at home to get second straight win

By Andy Brown
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Updated: September 29, 2022

Andy Brown / Louisburg Sports Zone

Louisburg senior Gavin York scored a goal in the Wildcats’ 3-0 win over Chanute on Monday in Louisburg.

Louisburg started its first winning streak Monday after its posted a 3-0 shutout of Chanute at home, but the mood wasn’t all celebratory.

The Wildcats had in the back of their mind that they could have played better.

Louisburg had 46 shots on the night, with 15 of those on target, and was a little unlucky in the scoring department. Despite that, the Wildcats will gladly take the win and build on it.

“I felt like we played really well against Chanute, and the score definitely didn’t reflect the quality of soccer we played,” Louisburg coach Bobby Bovaird said. “Ultimately, a win is a win, and the guys played some solid soccer. We dominated with possession and attacks, but it was just one of those games where we couldn’t land our shots the way we wanted to. Four or five great shots rebounded off the crossbar or posts, and we set up some outstanding opportunities.”

A couple of those opportunities came in the first half as the Wildcats (3-4-1) were able to get on the board early.

Senior Colin McManigal beat the Chanute keeper for a goal in the sixth minute thanks to an assist from senior midfielder Cade Gassman.

***Louisburg sophomore Colton Blue beat a Chanute defender to the ball Monday in Louisburg.***

Midway through the first half, the Wildcats struck again. Senior Toby Espina-Roca recorded an assist as he made a pass down the middle of the field. Senior Gavin York chased it down and found the back of the net to put Louisburg up 2-0.

The score stayed that way through halftime, and late in the second half, McManigal scored his second goal of the night on another assist from Gassman to ice the win for Louisburg.

McManigal and York took a bulk of the shots for Louisburg as the two combined for 24, including 12 shots on goal. Espina-Roca and senior Jackson Olson also had shots on goal.

Gassman finished the game with eight shots, while sophomore Emmett White had five. Seniors Ayden Deterding, Brock Varns and Jordan Brown also took shots.

The Wildcat defense wasn’t tested much, but senior goalie Brecon Klugman earned the clean sheet — his second of the season.

Even in the win, the Wildcats know they have a lot to work on before the end of the season, but Bovaird is pleased with the progress they are making.

“The possession style of soccer is something we’ve been working on a lot the past few weeks,” Bovaird said. “Keeping things in perspective, we’re continually improving from game-to-game. We’ve got our sights set on the bigger picture and the end of the season, and if we want to accomplish our goals in the postseason, we’ve got to continue working on a style of play that will beat a solid team.”