BY MAX IRVINE
The Eudora Cardinals boys soccer team secured a 3-2 win over Tonganoxie on a cold Senior Night on Thursday.
With the wind chill dipping into the low 40s, Dylan Meier and Alex Kooken combined to score all three of the Cardinals’ goals.
The Cardinals scored two of their goals in the first half. In the 15th minute, Kooken got the first after running onto a pass behind the defensive line and putting it out of the goalkeeper’s reach. Five minutes later, Meier sent a bullet into the net for a second from a free kick about 25 yards out.
Tonganoxie would not make it an easy win on Senior Night, tying it up with two goals of their own. The second came in the second half from a penalty kick. Both teams would have their chances, but the Cardinals found a way to get out in front.
Their third goal came with 23 minutes remaining in the second half. Eudora took a hard shot that bounced off the post, but Meier collected the rebound and put the ball in the top right corner. That would seal the game for Eudora, as their defense held strong against the Chieftains' offense.
Senior captains Caden Willits and Brant Arnold anchored the defense, playing a vital role in stopping Tonganoxie’s attack and getting the ball forward. Senior Braeden Herron started up front for the Cardinals, looking to start his team off the right way.
The seniors felt appreciation from the crowd as they were celebrated before the game. The air filled with chants of "Thank you Seniors!" from the student section.
Eudora will be seeded for 4A Kansas regionals Saturday. More information can be found at http://www.kshsaa.org under the state boys soccer tab.
Reach sports reporter Max Irvine at eudoratimes@gmail.com.
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