Emersyn Johnson scored twice as Emporia High soccer opened regional play with a 3-1 win over Great Bend Tuesday at Spartan Field. The postseason win was the first since the 2009 season.
The Lady Spartans took control early when Johnson scored 15 minutes into the match to give Emporia a 1-0 lead. Ariella Macias added another goal with 19 minutes remaining in the first half as Emporia carried a 2-0 advantage into halftime.
Great Bend cut the deficit to 2-1 with eight minutes left in regulation, but Johnson answered one minute later with her second goal of the night to seal the 3-1 regional victory for the Lady Spartans.
Reaching the second round of the playoffs was a preseason goal for Oscar Macias’ team.
He added the early goals really set the tone.
Emporia improves to 11-6 on the season and advances to face Bishop Carroll on Thursday in the Regional Championship match.
