By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
WICHITA – Hayden made a valiant attempt at ending Bishop Miege’s dynasty in Class 4-1A soccer, but the Stags outlasted the Wildcats 2-1 in double overtime to extend their title strike to nine.
Hayden soccer receives its Class 4A-1A runnerup trophy and medals after Saturday's 2-1 double-overtime loss to Bishop Miege. [Photo by Mac Moore/KSHSAA Covered]
The Wildcats struck first 10 minutes into the game when freshman Hailey Schmidtlein scored off an assist from junior Carsyn Broxterman.
Hayden celebrates freshman Hailey Schmidtlein's early goal in Saturday's 2-1 double-overtime loss to Bishop Miege. [Photo by Rick Peterson Jr./KSHSAA Covered]
Junior goalkeeper Lauren Borjon and Hayden’s defenders made that lead stand up until 13:50 left in the second half when Miege’s Kristina Eskrine converted on a penalty kick after Hayden was called for a handball in the box off a corner kick.
Miege capitalized on a corner again to score the winning goal two minutes into the second overtime. Rowan Epps headed in a perfectly-placed kick from Gaby Calderon to end it.
Hayden junior Carsyn Broxterman (4) battles for the ball in Saturday's 2-1 double-overtime loss to Bishop Miege in the Class 4A-1A state title game. [Photo by Rick Peterson Jr./TSN]
“Our effort was good, our performance was good,” Hayden coach Klaus Kreutzer told KSHSAA Covered. “We were unlucky on the handball to give them the PK, but give (the Stags) credit. You have to play your best in order to compete with them.
“It wasn’t for a lack of effort on our team. We were prepared and we’re looking forward to being back here next year.”
After Schmidtlein’s early goal, opportunities were limited for Hayden, but the Wildcats hung tough on defense against a Miege squad that handed them a 4-0 loss early in the season.
“(Scoring early) gave us a pretty good boost of confidence and helped us finish the first half,” Kreutzer said. “As much as they attacked, I think we defended very well back there.
“Miege is tough to defend. They put the ball where their runners are and that’s how they make the connection.”
Hayden finished 13-8 on the season.
“We didn’t expect to be here when the season started,” Kreutzer said. “Give them credit for finishing in style.”
