McPherson High’s soccer team set its cruise control on 80 here Tuesday night.
The Bullpups totally dominated the 80 minutes of action against Arkansas City in the first round of Class 5A regional play for a 4-0 victory.
That sets up what should be a barnburner here Thursday when Winfield comes to town for the right to advance to the Elite Eight. Game time at McPherson Stadium is 7:30 p.m.
The Bullpups had no trouble repeating an earlier 4-0 victory over the Bulldogs. Lee Williams scored less than five minutes into the game, and before the first half was over, Adam Bruner and Shawn Buckbee scored for a 3-0 lead. Buckbee scored another goal in the second half to complete the MHS output.
“It was one of those games where we’re expected to take care of business and we did,” MHS coach Todd Brittingham said.
The Bullpups, 14-3, were already looking ahead to Winfield late in the game, as they know the Vikings will come in with revenge on their minds.
“Anytime it’s a regional championship game, let alone two teams that played a week ago, it should be a good one,” Brittingham said. “Intensity-wise, I think our guys will match them. Something we’re very good at is knowing when to turn it on.”
Winfield advanced on Monday with a 1-0 victory over Hutchinson in a game that was decided by a shootout. The Vikings have one of the state’s top players in Luke Pray, and probably played with more fire and intensity than any team the Bullpups faced this season. They left the field plenty steamed last week when MHS was a 4-3 winner, as Bruner’s goal with 2:48 broke a 3-3 tie.
“They’re a quality team. It doesn’t get any easier after tonight, because after Thursday, there’s only eight teams left,” Brittingham said.