SM East soccer rebounds from first loss with back-to-back wins

SM East’s Mitch Kaskie dribbling against SM North.

Sometimes it takes a setback for a team to play up to its full potential.

That may be the outcome of the Lancers boys soccer team’s first loss of the season. Coming off their victorious showing at the KA-MO Classic Tournament the week before, the Lancers, then ranked fifth in Kansas, faced their first real test of the season last Tuesday against rival Olathe East, which shut out the boys in blue and black 3-0.

But the Lancers regrouped and put in a focused effort against SM North on Thursday that was called by the mercy rule with 16 minutes left in the second half when the Lancers jumped to a 10-0 lead. Senior Tyler Rathbun and junior Noah Eidemiller each scored three goals in the win.

And the team appeared to have plenty left in the tank: On Friday, they shut out visiting Kapaun Mt. Carmel from Wichita 2-0.

The Lancers hit the field again Tuesday on the road against Lawrence Free State.

(Thanks to Michael and Belinda Manalo for the info and picture).