Lancers soccer looking to rebound from back-to-back losses as regionals begin

The SM East boys soccer team is looking to get back on the winning path after suffering back to back losses to end the regular season this week.

On Thursday, the Lancers were looking to shake off a tough 0-1 loss to Olathe South — a loss that cost them the Sunflower League title. But they had no small task in front of them as they took the field ageist Blue Valley Northwest, the top-ranked soccer team in the state.

A hobbled Lancers lineup — with goalie G.J. Melia, midfielder Andrew Manalo, midfielder Jackson Stephens, striker Thomas McGillicuddy, midfielder Mitch Kaskie and defender Jacob Lanan all nursing injuries or illnesses — couldn’t muster the umph to knock off BV Northwest, losing 0-2.

But the Lancers have an excellent opportunity to reclaim the immense momentum they enjoyed through much of the season as the start regionals play tonight against Olathe North, a team they beat via a 10-0 mercy rule victory Sept. 27. The game starts at 6 p.m. at the Shawnee Mission soccer complex.

The Lancers are the three seed in the regionals bracket with a 13-3-0 record. If they defeat Olathe North, they’ll face 11-4-1 Olathe South or 6-7-2 Blue Valley West in the second round.

(Thanks as always to Michael and Belinda Manalo for the update and photo).