Tuesday’s match against the De Soto Wildcats was a tough loss for Eudora, but the night reached its climax for EHS players and fans as senior Parker Hurla surpassed the record for most career goals.
The final results between these rivaling teams ended in a 2-1 win for De Soto. The Cardinals now hold a 4-7-2 record for the season.
The new record of 28 all-time goals is a clear accomplishment for Hurla, although finishing with a win is the preferred celebration for the team captain.
“We are upset with the result,” he said. “But we can be happy going home knowing we kept the score within one goal against a 5A team.”
Hurla knew this was the game to make history, and it showed on the pitch. Kick after kick, Hurla attempted to break past the Wildcats goalie but was foiled by the opposing team’s pressure.
During the final minutes of the game, Hurla was finally given his chance to end the stalemate between him and the Wildcats senior goalie Brody Macoubrie in the form of a penalty kick. With less than four minutes remaining, the Cardinals finally scored a goal and shattered a milestone.
“It felt good. I wish we could’ve won or tied the game, but bittersweet is the best way to describe it,” Hurla said.
While De Soto fans packed and left the field, the Cardinals took the time to huddle and reflect on the match. Head coach Darren Erpelding felt the weight of the loss alongside his players but gave praise where it was due as the team put in the extra work after the first half.
“This game is going to sting a little,” Erpelding said. “There was a lot going into this game, and we really wanted it. The kids fought hard and played their tails off.”
It is an honor to coach a player like Hurla, he said. Erpelding spoke of the previous record holder Keaton Herron and how far Hurla has come.
“He (Keaton) was hoping Parker would break it because records are made to be broken,” Erpelding said.
The boys soccer team will continue their away-game streak, battling the Ottawa High School Cyclones at 6 p.m. Thursday.
If you appreciate our sports coverage, please donate. Our newspaper depends on your donations to provide coverage of Eudora and continue providing local news.
To donate to support our community journalism, please go to this link: tinyurl.com/y4u7stxj
Reach reporter William Crow at [email protected].
