Kansas High School Sports Scores, Videos and Photos - Catch It Kansas | Hutch soccer squares off with Liberal

Hutch soccer squares off with Liberal

By Vance Janak
The Hutchinson News
vjanak@hutchnews.com

LIBERAL - Playing in the boys soccer quarterfinals is nothing new for the Liberal Redskins.

The same can't be said for the Hutchinson High Salthawks.

Under the guidance of second-year coach Brad Binns, the rejuvenated Salthawks (14-3-1) will face the tradition-rich Redskins (15-3) tonight at 6:30 in the South Central quarterfinal at Redskin Field.

"I'm excited and I think the guys are ready for it," said Binns, who helped the Salthawks win their first regional championship since his senior year in 2002. "The drive isn't going to make any difference to us. We're going to get out there and get after it. It's exciting for us and it's a big thing for our soccer program."

Liberal has experienced a successful run under coach Lori Navarro as the Redskins have reached the state quarterfinals every year since 2003. The Redskins finished third at state a year ago after losing to eventual state champion St. Thomas Aquinas in the semifinals.

Binns said being around winning programs - like Hutchinson's five-time defending state champion football team - helps the Salthawks offset their lack of postseason experience.

"One of the things is that, when you've been around competitive programs, you see football and Hutch High in general is a winning atmosphere," Binns said. "I think we can feed off of that winning atmosphere and be fine. They're very young team. ... Our guys will come to play."

Hutchinson came to play in last Saturday's 6-0 win over Winfield in the South Central Regional 3 championship game. The six goals tied a season-high as the Salthawks got their first goal in the opening minute and never let up.

Binns said his team looks to carry the momentum from that scoring outburst into tonight.

"I think they started finishing and being mentally strong," Binns said of the win over Winfield. "They were focusing and keeping composed. That's what it's all about. When you get your opportunities, stay calm and stay relaxed."

Another fast start, Binns said, could go along ways for the Salthawks.

"If we come out in the first few minutes and we take it to them and show them what we're made of and what Hutch High soccer is about, then we're going to be alright," Binns said. "That's the key to our success is how we come out."

Hutchinson's stingy defense, one that has recorded 12 shutouts and allowed a total of eight goals all season, will face a quick Liberal offensive attack.

"They're very good offensively," Binns said. "They play one or two touch soccer. They're very quick and skilled up top so we're going to have to be ready defensively for what they're going to bring there. We're going to win 50-50 balls to give ourselves more opportunities. The more time you possess the ball, the more opportunities you're going to have."