Stephanie Croston

    The Seward boys' soccer team took a modest two-game winning streak into its March 31 game at Beatrice, but that streak was snapped in overtime.
     Beatrice scored in the second 10-minute overtime period to win 4-3. Seward's goals came from Marcus Gubanyi, Lucas Garbers and Kevin Kophamer.
     Beatrice scored the first two goals of the game within the first 10 minutes, but the Jays cut the lead to 2-1 by halftime. Then the Jays scored two consecutive goals to take a 3-2 lead. Beatrice was able to tie the game in regulation and force the overtime.
     In the extra period, the Jays actually score first, but the goal was disallowed on an offsides call.
     "We are much better than we were last year," Coach Jamie Opfer said.
     The first win came March 27 over Crete 3-0. Gubanyi scored two goals on set plays, one on a corner kick and one on a free kick. Garbers scored Seward's other goal and made two assists.
     "Luke is playing really good soccer," Opfer said, adding that he's been playing both midfield and defender and has done a good job adjusting between the two.
     Garrett Vanis recorded the shutout in goal for the Jays.
     On March 29, the Jays defeated Plattsmouth 1-0. Garbers headed in a flip throw by Robert Kuhlman. Vanis notched his second shutout.
     "We feel really good about the win," Opfer said. "We felt good about the week's action."
     The week didn't start as well, however, as the Jays lost to unbeaten Lincoln Lutheran 4-1. Opfer said Lutheran is one of the top five teams in the state.
     Seward actually led the game 1-0 after Kophamer scored on a header. Lutheran tied the score at 1-1 before halftime and then put the game out of reach in the second half.
     "We just have to learn from teams that are better," Opfer said.
     Senior sweeper Aaron Powell suffered a sprained ankle in the game. Logan Franck has been filling in and doing a good job, Opfer said. He also praised the play of fullbacks Zane Schaefer, Jacob Krings, Garbers and James Lund.
    Upcoming action
     Seward's only other game this week is April 1 at Schuyler.
     "We just want to go in and compete," Opfer said.