The Seward boys’ soccer team saw its season end April 29 in the first round of subdistrict play. The Jays lost to Schuyler 9-0.
Coach Jamie Opfer said Seward used six defenders to try to slow the Warrior attack.
“They were able to make some great individual and team plays to score seven goals in the first half of the game,” he said.
Opfer said the Jays competed throughout the game and had chances to score but couldn’t complete the goals. Gabriel Cobian had 15 saves and Cardin Goracke added nine. Nolan Hill took one shot, and Kenix Leyva Sigala attempted two.
The season ended with a 1-13 record.
The week started with a 2-1 loss to Columbus Lakeview April 25. Hill scored the goal for the Jays.
Opfer said Lakeview’s speed caused problems for the Jays.
Domonic Torres attempted three shots, and Leyva Sigala had two. Cobain made 11 saves in goal.
Seward hosted Grand Island Northwest April 27 and played one of its better games in a 1-0 loss.
“GINW scored on a corner kick about ten minutes into the game and we were able to keep them without another goal the rest of the game,” Opfer said.
Seward had six players on defense, which helped cover some defensive mistakes, the coach said.
“With a few minutes remaining in the game we were able to connect some passes and move the ball forward with a great shot on goal, but we were called for offsides and were not able to get a goal in the game,” Opfer said.
Torres attempted one shot, and Cobian made 15 saves.
The Jays will graduate six seniors – Nolan Hill, Julius Justice, Max Summa, Nathan Reobke, Braden Hiser, and Broden Cihal.
“This group of seniors was a great group to work with, a bunch of high character kids that made this an enjoyable season,” Opfer said. “For five of the six seniors, it was their first year as a part of the soccer program. I was very happy that these kids decided to give soccer a try this year.”
Looking ahead, he said the team has a group of younger players that improved every game. A number of starters and letter winners will return, which makes the future bright.
Postseason awards for the Jays are:
• Newcomer of the year – Kenix Leyva-Sigala
• Best Teammate – Lucas Howe
• Hustle Award – Max Summa
• MVP – Gabriel Cobian
