Package: Boys’ Soccer vs. Shawnee Mission West

Recap by Mike Thibodeau:

With minutes left before the storms came in, senior Ari Throckmorton chipped a header into the back of the net to win the Lancers’ opening game against Shawnee Mission West 1-0.

The Lancers, coming off of their success in St. Louis, continued with their 4-3-3 attacking offense. Early in the first half, the Lancers made a multitude of breaks at the goal, with shots from Throckmorton, senior Derek Steiert and junior Andrew Mulligan, but were never able to strike anything well enough to put it in the net.

West’s 4-2-3-1 counterattacking offense was able to exploit the Lancers, making several runs ending in two hard shots that were saved by the woodwork. Inches lower on each would have sent the Lancers into the half down by two.

Each team fought for the ball, East dominating possession, keeping the ball for about 63 percent of the time, weren’t able to find a way through West’s back six before the first half buzzer rang.

Entering the second half, lightning started flashing in the sky. The game got back under way as the winds started to pick up and stormclouds poured in the distance.

The Lancers came out attacking. Moving up field, the team struggled slipping the ball into the penalty box. About ten minutes in, the Lancers were able to loft a ball into the heart of West’s defense, were Throckmorton was able to tip it up with his head. West’s goalie turned around with his hands at his side as the ball bounced into the left side of the net.

East held their 1-0 lead for another few minutes when the game was called due to weather. There next game will be a tournament game Tuesday, Sept. 9. Tune in for our next live broadcast, Lancer Football against Gardner Edgerton next Friday night.

Gallery by Annie Savage: