The Emporia Spartans boys soccer team had a slow offensive start but used strong overall play to shutout St. Mary’s Academy 3-0 at the EHS soccer field.
The Spartans created the better chances early but finally capitalized late in the first half, when Thiago Esquivel found the back of the net to make it 1-0 with 8:24 left in the 1st. Emporia took a 2-0 lead at halftime thanks to a Brayden Sailer goal off of an assist by Daniel Salgado in the final minutes of the half.
The Spartans continued their strong play and created the majority of the scoring opportunities in the 2nd half, and finally found the final goal of the match in the waning moments, another Sailer goal that made it the final 3-0.
Spartans Head Coach Victor Ibarra knows that while his team wasn’t perfect, he is pleased with the result against St. Mary’s.
Spartans used a strong defensive game from Danny Magana who made some big plays, including an assist and a challenge that led to forcing a St Mary’s turnover and Emporia goal by Sailer to end the match. Magana says that it feels good to win, and helping his team by his performance is a good feeling too.
Magana was honored by his teammates and coaches as the Player of the Match, and he knows being recognized by his peers is a nice confidence boost going into regionals soon.
Emporia will have their final regular season match on Thursday against Junction City for Senior Night.
