Wildcats remain unbeaten with win over Bonner Springs

Louisburg defender Michael Seuferling stretches out to knock the ball away from a Bonner Springs player Thursday in Louisburg.

It could have easily been a frustrating day for the Louisburg boys soccer team.

On Thursday, the Wildcats hosted Bonner Springs and had to wait almost 90 minutes before playing the match due to inclement weather. Then when it did get underway, the Braves deployed a defense that slowed down the Wildcat attack.

Despite all that, Louisburg came away with its fourth consecutive win and was able to squeeze in a 2-0 victory in between a pair of rain showers.

“I felt the boys handled the hour and a half weather delay about as good as they could,” Louisburg coach Kyle Conley said. “They came out ready to go and played with a lot of pressure from the start. It is fun watching how this team grows each and every game. This group has a tremendous work ethic.”

The work ethic was on display early on as the Wildcats put pressure on the Bonner Springs back line with 17 shots on goal for the game, including seven each from junior Treston Carlson and sophomore Braden Yows, two from freshman Cade Gassman and another from freshman Gavin York.

Bonner Springs’ defense did frustrate the Wildcats at times as they made several runs at the goal, with not a lot to show for it. The result still ended in a pair of Carlson goals – one in each half – that was more than enough to get the victory.

“It did add some frustration, but that happens when a team puts so many people behind the ball like Bonner Springs does,” Conley said. “They were organized defensively, and were tough to breakdown. I felt we did leave a lot of chances off the board, but the boys kept attacking.

“Treston did a great job and has been improving each and every game. He has been determined this off season to get better and it is paying dividends this season so far.”

Senior goalie Garrett Rolofson earned his third shutout of the season as he finished the night with four saves, while the backline of Toby Espina Roca, Will Frank, Michael Seuferling and Luke Faulkner, along with midfielders Ethan Showalter and Hunter Rogers, prevented Bonner Springs from getting many good looks on goal.

The Wildcats (4-0) still have yet to lose this season and have done so without two of its senior starters – Ryan Haight and Landon Johnson – who are out with injuries, but hope to be back in the next couple of weeks. Still, Conley has liked what he has seen out of his young team.

“We focused on getting back to doing things the way we did in the past,” Conley said. “The boys bought into that from day one in the summer. I am extremely excited for this team and how this team has been evolving. They play so hard and with such passion, it is truly a lot of fun to come to training each and every day. We have our team goals and this groups is determined to meet them.”

Louisburg will have a busy week as the Wildcats will play three matches in a four-day span. It all begins today when they travel to Lansing for a 6 p.m. start.

The Wildcats will travel to Bishop Ward on Tuesday and then will host Spring Hill on Thursday. Both matches also begin at 6 p.m.

“We will need to focus on each game, one at a time,” Conley said. “It is going to be a tough week, but we will be focused and prepared. It will be essential that our execution and communication is better.”

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