Glenwood boys soccer season ends in district semifinals

A two goal burst just before halftime turned a back-and-fourth 1-0 game into an insurmountable lead for Harlan in a 6-1 victory over Glenwood in the Class 2A, Substate 8 semifinals in Harlan last Wednesday.

“We played a very good team tonight,” said Glenwood coach Cort Lovato. “They are fast and move the ball very well at all three levels of the field. We were able to play with them during stretches, however they were able to capitalize on our mistakes and put some in the net.”

After taking an early 1-0 lead, the Class 2A No. 5 ranked Cyclones (16-2) scored back-to-back goals in less that two minutes just before halftime to take a commanding 3-0 lead into the break.

Trailing 3-0, Glenwood finally got on the board in the game’s 53rd minute when John Palmer found the back of the net off a Trevor Stanley assist. But less than three minutes later, the Cyclones would answer to go in front 4-1.
Harlan would add a pair of insurance goals over the next 10 minutes.

The Rams close their season with a record of 7-8 after finishing 6-11 a year ago.

“I am very proud of this team,” Lovato said. “We really struggled in 2017. The boys played a more difficult schedule this year and were able to get one more win, playing three less games. The boys were more competitive and their confidence was much higher than last year.

“The boys were able to beat a top 12 team this year. Last year we would have not done as well or even be able to keep the game close. The program is trending up and that is due to harder work in training sessions.”

Glenwood 3,
Carroll 0

Glenwood’s Jordan Renshaw scored two goals and assisted on the third as the Rams defeated Carroll 3-0 in the Class 2A, Substate 8  quarterfinals in Harlan last Monday.

We controlled the tempo and pace of the whole game,” said Glenwood coach Cort Lovato. “The boys moved well off the ball and were able to connect passes through all levels of the field.”

The Rams (7-7), who snapped a three game-skid with and recorded their first post-season win since 2014 in the win, built a 2-0 halftime lead on the Tigers (8-8) with goals by Renshaw and John Palmer. The latter goal coming off a Renshaw assist.

Renshaw added a second half insurance goal for the Rams.

Brady Fritts stopped 10 shots and recorded his second shutout of the season in net.