Soccer

Young Wright City program pushing toward winning season

Jeff Stahlhut, Correspondent
Posted 9/24/21

Off to a 4-5 start on the year, the Wright City boys soccer team has had some good moments and performances — and head coach Konrad Laughman believes the best is yet to come for the Wildcats.

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Soccer

Young Wright City program pushing toward winning season

Posted

Off to a 4-5 start on the year, the Wright City boys soccer team has had some good moments and performances — and head coach Konrad Laughman believes the best is yet to come for the Wildcats.

A tough 4-3 loss to St. Charles West earlier this season is one that stands out as a contest in which the Wildcats showed quite a bit of moxy — and a sign of better things to come. The game was eventually lost when a penalty kick was awarded in the second overtime.

“We were losing throughout the contest, but each step of the way our boys battled back, played with great heart and used teamwork to even things up at three in regulation,” said Laughman. “Our team has never been close to a victory with St. Charles West, but had the ball bounced just slightly differently we would have had a win. The game was the best I have ever seen a Wright City team compete in since our inaugural season three years ago. Our team is truly coming together.”

Most recently, Wright City posted a 6-0 victory over Liberty Christian on Monday night thanks to a hat trick from Austin Kirn and a pair of goals from Logan McCartney. As a result, the Wildcats won the Wright City Tournament after previously knocking off Warrenton (2-1) and Elsberry (3-0).

Coming into that game, the Wildcats had been led in scoring by David Riggs and Rico Uribe, who had two goals each. Logan Kellner entered the game with an 89% save percentage.

“He’s done a fantastic job leading this team in his senior year,” said Laughman.

Moving forward, Laughman is confident that things are headed in the right direction for his team.

“We have turned a corner playing some tough opponents. An early challenge was scoring goals, but as the season progresses our guys are figuring out ways to get the ball in the goal,” he said. ”I anticipate winning several more games and of course some losses along the way will surely happen as well.

“We hope to finish with a .500-plus record and are playing our best soccer as we go into districts. I am cautiously optimistic because the attitude and heart this team has shown is inspiring and what we have been working toward and hoping for. This is a great bunch of guys.”

Soccer, Wright City High School

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