McPHERSON, Kan. – With a veteran group returning, the McPherson boys soccer team opened their season at home on Friday night against 5A Great Bend. Some timely offense and a great effort from goalkeeper Hunter Schroeder helped the Bullpups to a 3-0 shutout win over the Panthers.
Parker Riemann opened the scoring with a goal right before halftime. In the second half Yahir Valadez extended the lead to 2-0. In the closing stages of the game, a goal from Leo Gaspar Mendez was assisted by Jackson Martin to give the Bullpups the eventual 3-0 victory.
McPherson only had four shots on goal, but scored three times. Great Bend attempted to put the pressure on with their offense, but Schroeder had nine saves for the night, including one on a penalty kick for Great Bend with five minutes to go that helped preserve the shutout.
It was a warm night for the season opener. “First game fatigue started to show its face and several players began cramping,” said McPherson coach Chris Adrian. “Adversity equals opportunity and players stepped up in a big way.” Adrian added: “This was one of those games where everyone stepped up when they needed to. A great team performance and awesome way to open up the season.”
At 1-0, the Bullpups will next be on the pitch on for round one of the Maize South Tournament on Tuesday, September 8.
Also on Friday night, the Bullpup JV squad picked up an 8-0 shutout over Great Bend. Seven different players scored goals, led by Aiden Pattison with two.
