LHS defeats Olathe Northwest 3-2 in regional match, other area teams advance to respective regional championships

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Junior Patrick Sandefur rises up for a header goal in a 3-2 win over Olathe Northwest at the Olathe District Activities Center on Tuesday, October 29, 2024.

On Tuesday night, the Lawrence High School boys soccer team used a windy evening to its advantage in a 3-2 regional win over Olathe Northwest at the Olathe District Activity Center.

The Lions scored all three goals when they were going with the wind. When going against the wind, they played a tight defense that prevented the Ravens from mounting a comeback despite the number of shots the Ravens took in the final 20 minutes of the match.

The Lions took the lead around the halfway point in the first half. Senior Josh Lavin put a free kick right on Patrick Sandefur, who scored with a header.

It started a 15-minute sequence in which all four first-half goals were scored. Asher Sikes scored the second LHS goal, and Nate Schworm scored the team’s third with under 9 minutes in the first half.

This game was a retribution of sorts for the Lions. These two teams played a week before the regional match, and the Ravens won 2-0. The Lions left that game believing Olathe Northwest was a team they could beat, and they were ready to prove that.

Coach Joe Comparato mixed up the lineup, including moving Sikes to the midfield. The adjustment has panned out well, as the Lions have scored three goals in their last two games, and Sikes has been an important part of that.

“When I can play in the midfield, it gives us more attacking options,” Sikes said. “I think that’s helped us a lot.”

Olathe Northwest scored its lone first-half goal — and the final goal of the half — in the 34th minute.

It was a physical game, with both teams having numerous free kicks. That was another thing that the Lions expected going in.

The Ravens scored again from Joaquin Wesner — his second goal of the game–with under 20 minutes left in the match. But the Lions defense prevailed, with the captains each making plays to disrupt the Ravens.

“We had to sit back, be patient, trust one another,” Lavin said. “We couldn’t give them any chances.”

The win brought the Lions’ overall record to 8-8-1, and they will face Shawnee Mission West (13-2-2, 6A East second seed) at Shawnee Mission Soccer Complex F1 at 6 p.m. on Thursday. That’s another team that the Lions didn’t get the outcome they hoped for earlier in the season, falling 5-0 on Oct. 8, and it’s a rematch they’re looking forward to playing.

“We haven’t had a regional win since I’ve been here,” Sikes said. “We have to focus on the next game and stay locked in.”

Regional results

Free State defeated Derby 2-0 on the road. The Firebirds will face Washburn Rural (12-2-3, 6A West third seed) on Thursday at 6 p.m.

Baldwin defeated Parsons 8-0 at home. The Bulldogs will host Louisburg (9-8-0, 4-1A East eighth seed) on Thursday at 4 p.m.

Eudora and Tonganoxie faced each other, and the game ended in a 1-1 tie at the end of regulation. Following two overtimes, the Cardinals prevailed with 4 sudden-death goals. They will host Ottawa (11-4-2, 4-1A East sixth seed) on Thursday at 6 p.m.

Bishop Seabury lost 8-0 to Ottawa on the road and finished their season 4-12-0.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Senior Garrett Ernzen dribbles the ball upfield during a 3-2 regional win over Olathe Northwest on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at the Olathe District Activity Center.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Senior Kaden Valbuena passes the ball after a steal during a 3-2 win over Olathe Northwest at Olathe District Activity Center on Tuesday, October 29, 2024.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

The Lions ‘Bring the Boom’ after a goal from Patrick Sandefur in a 3-2 regional win over Olathe Northwest at the Olathe District Activity Center on Tuesday, October 29, 2024.