Wildcat seniors honored with shutout win over Turner on Senior Night

Louisburg senior Colin McManigal heads the ball away from Turner player Monday at home. The Wildcats got the win, 1-0, over Turner as they honored 15 seniors and a manager on Senior Night.

Monday’s match with Turner may have just been a regular match on the schedule when it came to the standings, but for many on the Louisburg soccer team, it meant so much more.

It was Senior Night for the Wildcats that featured the largest senior class the Louisburg program has ever had. The Wildcats honored 16 seniors and their parents prior to the game and they wanted a memorable moment for what could be their final time playing on their home field.

The Wildcats got what they were looking for.

Turner was called for a handball in the box and the Wildcats were awarded a penalty kick late in the second half. Cade Gassman converted and the Wildcats held on for a 1-0 victory over the Golden Bears. 

“Nothing is ever guaranteed, and I’m pleased with how the guys battled for a win on senior night,” Louisburg coach Bobby Bovaird said. “Turner is a tough team with some talented individuals and some physical players. That game may end up being our final home game of the season, depending on how regionals pan out. I’m really happy for the guys for them to have earned a win at home on such a special night.”

Louisburg’s senior class of Andrew Brown, Brock Varns, Jackson Olson, Caden French, Jordan Brown, Matthew Sword, Brecon Klugman, Dagon Klugman, Gavin York, Ayden Deterding, Kaven Bartlett, Cade Gassman, Toby Espina-Roca, Owen Barber, Colin McManigal and manager Tehya Harvey left their home field with a lasting memory.

“I first got to know these seniors as a spectator when they were freshmen, and then the next two seasons I got to work with almost all of them on the JV squad at one point or another,” Bovaird said. “This year, they’ve made huge strides as a team, and I’m so proud of the resilience they’ve shown. It’s a really special class, and to have 15 seniors is pretty neat. They’re definitely cementing their contributions to the foundation of future teams with our program.”

It was a back and forth match that left both teams with good chances to score. Even with all that, it was penalty kick that decided it all.

With eight minutes left in regulation, Jackson Olson took a shot in the box that hit the hand of a Turner player. The Wildcats were awarded the penalty kick and Gassman put it in the back of the net with ease.

“It was definitely a back-and-forth game, and Turner had about 55 percent possession that game,” Bovaird said. “I was a little surprised to see that stat after the game, because I felt like we did well possessing the ball. Regardless, we out-shot them and had some nice strings of passes. I wasn’t worried if we had to go into overtime. We’ve been there several times this year, and I think our fitness is pretty good for this point in the season.”

Louisburg outshot Turner 12-11 and had four shots on goal. Gavin York, Toby Espina-Roca, Gassman and Colin McManigal each put shots on target.

Defensively, the back line of Ayden Deterding, Matthew Sword, York, Owen Barber, Caden French and Kaven Bartlett held strong, while senior goalie Brecon Klugman recorded six saves.

As good of a win this was for the Wildcats, Bovaird liked what he saw from his players throughout the contest.

“Before the game, I gave them a challenge — let’s get the ball in the corner and send across some crosses,” Bovaird said. “We had a team objective of getting at least 10 crosses in the attacking third, and we ended up with almost that many by the end of the first half. Although we didn’t get any goals off those crosses, it was great to see them respond to a challenge like that. 

“What I really like is that they’re keeping things in perspective. We’re working on a style of soccer that will keep us in the game later in the post-season and give us a chance at moving on in regionals. It’s not about doing what it takes to win right now; it’s about improving on what’s important so we are ready to peak when it matters. The Turner game was a positive example of that mindset for us.”

Wildcats shutout Paola to win second in a row

It may not have been the prettiest victory for Louisburg, but at this point in the season, a win is all the matters.

The Wildcats recorded their second straight shutout as they blanked Paola, 1-0, on the road Tuesday to improve their record to 6-5-2 on the season. Louisburg outshot Paola 28-3 in the contest, but had a tough time finding the back of the net.

“While there were a lot of frustrating things about the Paola game, I’m still pleased with the quality of soccer we played,” Bovaird said. “We dominated the field with over 60 percent possession during the game, and that’s good considering how much of a factor the wind ended up being. We limited Paola to just three shots on the night, and none of them were on target. Aside from the score being just 1-0, we played some good soccer against them.”

Senior Colin McManigal provided the Wildcats with their lone goal as he broke open a scoreless game in the second half with a goal on an assist from sophomore Emmett White.

Jackson Olson, Toby-Espina Roca and McManigal all had two shots on target, while White, Andrew Brown and Jordan Brown also had a shot on goal.

Louisburg is back in action today when it travels for a match with Topeka High at Hummer Park.