Wildcats shutout Leavenworth to win road opener

LEAVENWORTH — The Louisburg girls soccer team ventured on the road for the first time this season and the Wildcats came home with their second straight win.

Louisburg traveled to Leavenworth on Thursday to face off with the Class 6A program and the Wildcats scored a goal in each half to pull away for a 2-0 victory over the Pioneers.

The Wildcats controlled the game from start to finish as it had 57 percent possession and had 23 shots on the night, including 11 shots on target.

“It was great seeing the girls be able to pick up a win on the road against a much larger school in Leavenworth,” Louisburg coach Jordan Roquemore said. “Our passing was improved from our first game as we brought our passing completion percentage up from 67 percent to 73 percent. We still have work to do in this area, but I was pleased with our progress since we focused heavily on our passing at practice.”

Louisburg’s first goal came late in the opening half from one of its defenders. 

Defender Faith Sewell took a corner kick, but the attempt was saved. The ball went out to Rylee Moore, who found a wide open Sewell. The Louisburg junior shot the ball and found the back of the net from about 18 yards out. 

In the second half, freshman Kahlan Harris put the Wildcats up 2-0 just five minutes after halftime on an assist from senior Baileigh Johnson. 

The Wildcats had numerous chances on goal and had them from several different targets. 

Senior Rowan Yows and junior Mena Fercho each five shots, while Fercho had four shots on target. Harris had four shots, while Johnson had three attempts on goal. 

“We also worked hard offensively,” Roquemore said. “The Leavenworth goalkeeper really did an incredible job and challenged us to be creative and consistent in our attack. We need to be challenged as it’s a huge part of how we are going to continue growing and improving this season.”

Defensively, the Wildcats allowed few chances to the Pioneers as the back line of Jaden Bentz, Lila Edwards, Caroline Apple and Sewell gave up just two shots on goal. 

Senior goalie Ally Brown recorded two saves on the night to earn her second clean sheet to start the season. 

Louisburg is back in action tonight as the Wildcats compete in the Turner Invitational. They will face Raytown (Mo.) in first round action at 6 p.m., at Turner High School. Games will continue Wednesday and Friday of this week.

“I’m looking forward to the Turner Tournament this week,” Roquemore said. “We will be playing three games this week and it’s going to test our endurance and grit. We should face some good competition.”