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Kansas City Current secures first playoff berth with 3-0 win

Midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta blasted a pass from Kate Del Fava into the goal for a 1-0 Kansas City lead. The Current won the match 3-0, locking in a spot in the upcoming NWSL playoffs. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

by Brian Turrel

The Kansas City Current locked down an NWSL playoff spot — the first in team history — with a 3-0 win over the Washington Spirit at Children’s Mercy Park Sunday afternoon. After early season disappointments left the team at the bottom of the standings, the Current still has the chance to finish on top.

Nearly ten thousand fans enjoyed the warm early fall weather and bright sunshine, and Lo’eau LaBonta, CeCe Kizer and Clair Lavogez each scored first-half goals to ensure the crowd enjoyed the outcome as well.

The Current pressed high in the early going and created some high-quality chances. CeCe Kizer was aggressive in taking on Spirit dribblers in their own end, and Claire Lavogez won possessions by anticipating and disrupting Washington’s passing lanes.

Kansas City had some great chances in the first few minutes, but was denied by three great saves from Washington goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury.

LaBonta finally got the home side on the board in the 18th minute on a full-field build-up. After the ball crossed the midway line, Alex Loera played it up the right side to Kate Del Fava who beat a challenge from defender Julia Roddar and then lofted a cross to Lo’eau LaBonta centered just outside the 18-yard box.

LaBonta took a touch to settle the ball and then turned on it, blasting it high into the right corner of the goal.

The Current continued the offensive pressure, but mis-timed two opportunities in quick succession, leading to apparent goals waved off for offsides.

Kizer earned the second goal for the Current in the 38th minute, picking up the rebound of a corner kick from Loera and knocking it in from the 6-yard line.

Claire Lavogez wrapped the scoring action just 3 minutes later, picking up Kristen Hamilton’s pass from the endline and tapping it past Kingsbury from close range.

The Spirit made substitutions through the second half and continued to press for a goal, holding possession for long stretches but unable to create dangerous chances against Kansas City’s defense.

The Current will play its final regular season match next Sunday against Louisville FC. Kansas City holds third place in the standings, but final playoff seeding and scheduling will depend on the next week’s outcomes. The top six teams make the playoffs, and the top four will play host to at least one playoff match.

Defender Alex Loera signed a baby’s onesie after the match. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

Forward CeCe Kizer stretched out to take a shot on goal but was denied by Washington goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

Fans celebrated in the south stands after CeCe Kizer’s goal. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

Washington midfielder Bayley Feist knocked the ball away from defender Kate Del Fava. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

Fans could get faces painted on the stadium plaza before the match. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

Midfielder Claire Lavogez lined up a shot on goal. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

Fans in the Blue Crew supporters’ section celebrated the win after the match. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

Forward CeCe Kizer went high to head the ball away from Washington midfielder Andi Sullivan. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

Rhythm and blues singer Carlton Rashad entertained the crowd on the stadium plaza before the game and performed the national anthem. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

Forward CeCe Kizer smiled as her shot rolled into the corner of the Washington goal. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

Fans enjoyed games and entertainment on the stadium plaza before the match. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

Midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta headed the ball near the Washington goal. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

Families enjoyed the warm day together at Children’s Mercy Park. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

Forward Kristen Hamilton fought for possession with Washington defender Amber Brooks. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

Pirates control Chargers for 49-0 victory

Sophomore running back Skyler Little sprinted toward the end zone, scoring the 7th and final touchdown in Piper’s 49-0 win over Topeka West. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

by Brian Turrel

The Piper Pirates traveled to Topeka for a rare Saturday daytime game, facing off against the Topeka West Chargers at Hummer Sports Park and powering their way to a 49-0 win. Piper scored all its points in the first half, and head coach John Black used the second half to get experience for his reserve players.

The Chargers, despite coming into the game with an 0-3 record, looked formidable on their opening drive, featuring an option offense led by quarterback Malachi Berg. The Chargers moved the ball all the way to the Piper 9-yard line then gave up a fumble, ending their best scoring threat of the game.

Piper started deep in its own end, but runs from running back Zane Pudenz and quarterback Logan Ladish brought the ball out near midfield. Running back Miguel Martin then broke a 58-yard touchdown run to start the scoring.

Collin Ketter recovered another Chargers fumble on the next possession to give Piper a short field from the Topeka West 28-yard line. Zane Pudenz scored on the ground to put the Pirates up by 14.

With two minutes remaining in the first quarter, Zane Pudenz scored again, this time on defense, scooping a Topeka West fumble and running it back for a touchdown and a 21-0 lead.

J.J. Jarrett opened the second quarter scoring with a 67-yard run, making great use of the downfield blocking from Lamar Lynch and Camden Beebe.

On the next possession, Piper took over at the Topeka West 29-yard line after another fumble. On the next play, Ladish hit receiver Mason L’Heureux in the right corner of the end zone for a touchdown and 35-0 lead.

Topeka West pinned the Pirates deep on the next possession by punting to the Piper 12-yard line, but Ladish responded with an 88-yard touchdown run, finding a crease in the defensive front and then taking off up the left sideline.

On the next possession, Piper drove the ball down to the Chargers 25-yard line, and running back Skyler Little ran the ball around the left side for a touchdown and the final 49-0 margin.

Zane Busick and Kaleb Kirgan split duties on the PAT attempts, converting all seven.

Quarterback Gannon Roth led the Pirates onto the field in the second half. After two yardage-losing plays from scrimmage, Black called a timeout to get the squad together.

Due to the size of the lead, there were no clock stoppages in the second half, and with both teams in a run-heavy offense, the time slipped away quickly to the end of the game.

After the game, Black talked with his team about their goal of returning to Hummer Sports Park at the end of the season, when the KSHSAA Class 4A state championship is played there.

Thursday and Saturday games are being scheduled more frequently this year due to a shortage of available officials. The state activities association has made an appeal for new officials to register at https://www.kshsaa.org/Public/Official/NewOfficials.cfm. KSHSAA touts the benefits of staying involved in sports and earning some extra income.

The Piper Pirates are now 2-2 for the season. They will play at home against the Turner Golden Bears next Friday starting at 7:00 P.M.

Junior running back Zane Pudenz powered across the goal line in the first quarter. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

Senior lineman Declan Waters led the team onto the field before the game. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

The Piper cheerleaders practiced some stunts during halftime. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

Junior defensive back Zane Pudenz secured a Topeka West fumble and ran it in for a touchdown. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

Sophomore running back Skyler Little ran for a touchdown, with some blocking from senior lineman Camden Beebe (70). (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

Senior receiver Mason L’Heureux caught a 29-yard touchdown pass. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

Senior kicker Zane Busick converted four extra points. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

Senior quarterback Logan Ladish joked with teammates after his 88-yard touchdown run. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

Senior quarterback Logan Ladish threw down field. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

Senior running back Miguel Martin broke out for a 58-yard touchdown. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

The Topeka West marching band halftime show involved props, backdrops, and a grand piano. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

Ward Cyclones dominate second half for 35-0 win at Turner

Bishop Ward junior running back Jayvion Braden scored a touchdown in the third quarter of Bishop Ward’s 35-0 win over Turner. (Photo copyright 2022 by Brian Turrel)

by Brian Turrel

The Bishop Ward Cyclones are off to a hot start in 2022, beginning the season with a 3-1 record, including their latest win Friday over the Turner Golden Bears at the Turner District Athletic Complex. The Cyclones turned a 9-0 halftime advantage into a 35-0 triumph with a strong second half.

Five different Cyclones found the end zone. Brice Johnson Jr. scored a rushing touchdown in the first half to get Bishop Ward on the board, and kicker Juan Delgado Medina converted a 33-yard field goal just before the half to extend the Cyclones’ lead to 9-0.

In the second half, Jayvion Braden, Roderick Strong and Jashaun Holliday scored on the ground, and Jalen Pickens caught a touchdown pass from Holliday.

The Golden Bears offense struggled to get going, but defense kept them in game in the early stages, forcing two fumbles in the first half.

Defensive back Erickson George made a third-quarter interception and stripped the quarterback for a fumble. Defensive end Xavier Ramirez had a first-quarter sack and a second-quarter fumble recovery.

The Cyclones and Golden Bears have a long history. This is the 35th meeting of the teams, dating back to 1956. Turner has dominated the series recently, winning nine of the previous 10 contests, but Bishop Ward leads overall, now with 19 wins against Turner.

Bishop Ward now heads into four straight 3A district matches that will determine its playoff destiny. The next game is at home against Wellsville next Friday, kicking off at 7 p.m.

Turner is 0-4 for the season. The Golden Bears will play at Piper High School next Friday.