Dodge City tops Maize soccer once again

BY JONATHAN LONG/The Wichita Eagle

Published Nov. 4 at 4:25 a.m. | Last updated Nov. 4 at 4:26 a.m.

MAIZE — The Dodge City boys soccer team has Maize’s number, and that number is 2.

The Red Demons handed host Maize its second loss on the season Tuesday night, ending the Eagles’ season 2-1 in the Class 6A quarterfinals. Both Maize losses (17-2) were to Dodge this season.

Dodge City advances to the Class 6A semifinals in Overland Park on Friday.

Despite being outshot 9-3, 6-1 in the second half, Dodge scoring opportunities. The Demons (16-3) scored first on a Joel Gallardo goal three minutes into the game. Dodge scored its second goal with 15:05 remaining on a Ivan Peralta goal set up by Victor Rojas.

“It really means a lot to be the only team to beat them this season,” Peralta said. “And we did it twice.”

The Demons defeated Maize 2-1 on Oct. 5.

“They bring the best out of us,” Dodge City coach Virgil Hutchcraft said. “We play a pretty good schedule and we wanted to show everyone that we are as good as these kids out here.”

Maize had several chances in the second half to tie the score. Trailing 1-0, Brendon Moore’s shot sailed high over the goal. Five minutes later, Maize had another opportunity but was unsuccessful.

After Peralta’s goal, Maize’s Cameron Zimmerman cut the deficit back to one with a 25-foot strike with 7:58 remaining. Zimmerman’s goal gave Maize momentum, but again the Eagles were unable to capitalize. With 5:53 left, Jonson Shadd had a shot attempt blocked by a defender inside of the box. Three minutes later, a Jose Diaz’s shot sailed high.

“They capitalized on our mistakes and we couldn’t find the back of the net,” Maize coach Mike Darrah said. “I felt that if we could have ever tied it, we would get it. But we kept having to press.”

East falls East (14-5) led for most of the game, but Washburn Rural (18-1) was too much down the stretch. Rural scored the tying goal with 20 minutes remaining and advanced on penalty kicks.

Washburn Rural advances to Friday’s Class 6A semifinal.

“We just didn’t have the legs to kick with them at that point,” East coach Jim Griffis said. “It was a tough loss, but It was a big step for Wichita East soccer.”

Joseph Yun scored East’s lone goal on an assist from Oliver Bradwell, seven minutes into the game.