McPHERSON, Kan. – On Tuesday night, head coach Chris Adrian returned to the sideline for the first time since the tragic passing of his son Cole and the McPherson Bullpup boys soccer team responded with an emotional 4-1 win over Circle to advance to the 4-1A Regional final.
Less than five minutes into the match, Yahir Valadez scored on an assist from Leo Gaspar Mendez to put the Bullpups up 1-0. Circle would get a goal late in the first half to tie the match.
The second half was all McPherson on the scoreboard. Just over eight minutes into the second half, Kevin Garcia put the Pups up 2-1 and about a minute and a half later, Jackson Martin added a goal to increase the lead to 3-1. Martin added another goal with 6:22 remaining to give the Bullpups the 4-1 win.
McPherson had 11 shots on goal and their defense kept the Thunderbirds away from their goal most of the night. Hunter Schroeder allowed just one goal and had a save in the victory.
“It was a night full of emotions, but the boys showed tremendous resilience in battling through a tough challenge from Circle,” said Adrian. “I was proud of the way the team stayed composed, continued the process, and refused to panic when things didn’t come easily.”
McPherson improved to 12-5 with the win and moves on to the Regional championship match. As the #5 seed, they face the #13 seed Classical School, who upset #4 Chanute in the first round 3-1 on Monday in Chanute. The Bullpups went 2-0 against Classical in the regular season, winning at the Maize South Tournament 5-0 in September and 5-2 at home in early October. Kickoff for Thursday night’s game is set for 6:00 at McPherson High School Stadium.
