Three Lancers Make All-Metro Soccer Team

The Kansas City Star recently released the Boys’ Soccer All-Metro team. Three SM East seniors received honors. Senior Jack Sernett received an Honorable Mention, senior Bryce McClanahan was awarded second team honors and recently deceased senior Tyler Rathbun earned first team honors. It is the first time three members of the Lancer soccer team have been selected to the All-Metro team in one year.

“It just goes to our team this year,” Coach Jamie Kelly said. “We’ve accomplished so much this year that we haven’t ever accomplished before.”

Rathbun, who tragically died in an ATV accident on Nov. 25, led the Sunflower league with 22 goals. He also was selected to the All-State, All-Sunflower League and All-Regional squads. In addition to the all-star teams, he was also named the Sunflower League’s offensive MVP.

“Seeing Tyler’s name on the first team, he completely deserved it,” McClanahan said. “He was probably the best player in East history by far.”

Sernett, McClanahan and Kelly were very adamant about how it was a team effort. Sernett says he would not have earned all the awards without the team.

“It makes you realize how good your team has to be for you to get there,” Sernett said. “If you’re on a really bad team, you’re not going to have the opportunity to get these accolades.”

The team is assembled by the Kansas City Star’s Todd Palmer, but other Metro coaches’ opinions are taken into account by Palmer.

“It’s also a testament to other coaches recognizing what we’ve done, and the talented players that we have,” Kelly said.

The All-Metro team has existed since Kelly played for the Lancers. Kelly made Honorable Mention his junior year, and first team his senior year. In recent years, the Lancers have had players honored, but never three players in one year.

“It’s pretty hard because you’re talking about the Missouri side too, and there are just more schools in Missouri,” Kelly said. “To get first team is a pretty big accomplishment, and even getting second team is a pretty big accomplishment.”