By Todd Fertig
TopSports.news
A crowded Hummer Sports Park buzzed with a playoff atmosphere Thursday as ascending Topeka soccer teams Topeka High and Topeka West collided. The Chargers claimed the meeting of familiar rivals, 2-1.
Topeka West freshman Valentin Del Real (3) celebrates the Chargers' first goal in Thursday's 2-1 soccer win over USD 501 rival Topeka High. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Topeka West jumped out to an early lead when freshman Valentin Del Real launched a blast from well outside the penalty box that slid just past the fingertips of the Trojan goalkeeper.
Senior LaRon Fulton (3) scored Topeka High's lone goal in Thursday's 2-1 loss to city rival Topeka West. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Topeka High answered in short order when senior LaRon Fulton played a rebound into the net to tie the score.
It was the Chargers who recorded a second score before intermission.
Sophomore Diego Gonzalez-Talavera received a pass from Del Real and punched home what wound up being the deciding goal.
“Our guys are capable of this kind of play, and I think they’re finally starting to find the back of the net and finishing,” said Charger coach Josh Kutter.
Topeka West improved to 6-2, one win shy of last year’s total.
Gonzalez-Talavera said the Chargers feel the momentum growing.
“Obviously, it’s a good win against our rivals. We came out and showed them how we can play,” the sophomore captain said. “People don’t expect much from us because we’re Topeka West and we don’t have a great history. But now that we’re building up the team year by year, it’s beginning to look better for us and we’re starting to win more games.”
The Hummer Sports Park stands were full of fans of both programs, a sign of the success of each team.
“I loved it. I wish we could have this many fans out every game to watch soccer and get involved,” Kutter said. “Topeka High is a great side and it’s going to be a great game every year.
“I love seeing both (USD) 501 schools having great seasons and competing with some of the bigger-name soccer schools.”
The Trojans lost for just the second time on the season, the other an overtime loss at Lawrence to open the campaign.
TOPEKA WEST 2, TOPEKA HIGH 1
Topeka High (9-2-0) 1 0 -- 1
Topeka West (6-2-0) 2 0 -- 2
Topeka High -- Goal: Fulton.
Topeka West -- Goals: Del Real, Gonzalez-Talavera. Assists: Gonzalez-Talavera, Del Real.
