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The Cardinals boys soccer team escaped Tonganoxie in the first round of the playoffs in penalty kicks on a windy Tuesday night.
After ending regulation and two overtime periods in a 1-1 tie, the Cardinals won the match in penalty kicks 4-1 on a night when wind gusts hit over 50 mph.
All four Cardinals who attempted a penalty scored, and senior goalkeeper Nate Steinlage shut the door with a pair of saves.
“I knew what I had to do and had faith in my boys,” Steinlage said. “So I was happy we got out of there with the win.”
Senior Brayden Hayes slotted away two goals, one from 12 yards and one from closer to 30. He had the clinching goal in penalty kicks.
“When I closed it out, I went straight to Nate,” Hayes said. “I knew he had all the credit.”
The team started slow, allowing an early goal to bounce past the defense and blow into the back of the net.
“They never panicked,” head coach Darren Erpelding said. “You know, we had several opportunities in the first half, and I was very pleased … We did a lot of good things.”
After the early goal, Eudora was in control for most of the game, but some strong saves by the Tonganoxie goalkeeper and the challenge of keeping possession with the strong winds made it hard for the Cardinals to break through.
Eventually, a free kick from Hayes went screaming into the back of the net and got the Cardinals on the board.
The Cardinals will play Ottawa at 6 p.m. Thursday at home in the regional championship.
Erpelding said the team was planning to keep preparations pretty light so the team could rest after the long night. The team’s focus will be on finishing and avoiding turnovers to ensure the team is sharp for Thursday night.
The team is coming off one of its most successful regular seasons in team history and first league title. But Steinlage said the Cardinals still have goals left to accomplish.
“We want to do more,” Steinlage said. “So, just keeping that hope alive, that’s what got me through it.”
Reach reporter Cuyler Dunn at [email protected]
