Millard West Wildcats
Boys High School Soccer
Galley's Penalty Kick propels Millard West into State
May 4, 2007
A single goal on a sloppy night was all Millard West needed to qualify for the Class A boys soccer tournament.
Junior Aaron Galley converted a penalty kick after being fouled in the box, and the No. 9 Wildcats avenged last year's district semifinal loss with a 1-0 victory over Creighton Prep in the District A-5 final.
"We've lost some close ones this year, and this is a good one to get," an emotional Millard West coach Ron Beernink said. "It's good for us. We needed this. I needed this. It's been a tough season."
The Wildcats (12-8) threatened to add a second goal on numerous occasions after Galley's first-half score. But a strong effort by Prep goalkeeper Brian Holt kept Millard West at bay. Holt's four sliding saves that took away good angles from Wildcat attackers gave the Junior Jays a chance throughout the second half.
"It's too bad that we spoiled the effort of (Holt)," Prep co-coach Tom Hoover said. "You have to congratulate Millard West. They presented a challenge that we weren't able to answer."
Wildcats forwards Ariko Kaziboni and Thomas Heavey kept constant pressure on a Prep defense that gave up plenty of opportunities.
"Ariko and Thomas Heavey just kept running and trying to get us that second goal," Beernink said. "We were trying to get that one. That's something we're going to have to work on."
Prep (9-8) had several chances in the second half but missed three opportunities in a crowded box and also failed to capitalize when two Junior Jays criss-crossed and missed a crossing ball with only the keeper to beat.
Millard West returns to the state tournament after a two-year absence. The Wildcats, with runner-up finishes in 2000 and 2001, are still seeking their first state title in soccer.
"There's some awfully good teams ahead of us," Beernink said. "We'll show up and we'll fight."
Millard West (12-8).........................1 0-1
At Omaha Creighton Prep (9-8).........................0 0-0
• Goals: MW, Galley.
Junior Aaron Galley converted a penalty kick after being fouled in the box, and the No. 9 Wildcats avenged last year's district semifinal loss with a 1-0 victory over Creighton Prep in the District A-5 final.
"We've lost some close ones this year, and this is a good one to get," an emotional Millard West coach Ron Beernink said. "It's good for us. We needed this. I needed this. It's been a tough season."
The Wildcats (12-8) threatened to add a second goal on numerous occasions after Galley's first-half score. But a strong effort by Prep goalkeeper Brian Holt kept Millard West at bay. Holt's four sliding saves that took away good angles from Wildcat attackers gave the Junior Jays a chance throughout the second half.
"It's too bad that we spoiled the effort of (Holt)," Prep co-coach Tom Hoover said. "You have to congratulate Millard West. They presented a challenge that we weren't able to answer."
Wildcats forwards Ariko Kaziboni and Thomas Heavey kept constant pressure on a Prep defense that gave up plenty of opportunities.
"Ariko and Thomas Heavey just kept running and trying to get us that second goal," Beernink said. "We were trying to get that one. That's something we're going to have to work on."
Prep (9-8) had several chances in the second half but missed three opportunities in a crowded box and also failed to capitalize when two Junior Jays criss-crossed and missed a crossing ball with only the keeper to beat.
Millard West returns to the state tournament after a two-year absence. The Wildcats, with runner-up finishes in 2000 and 2001, are still seeking their first state title in soccer.
"There's some awfully good teams ahead of us," Beernink said. "We'll show up and we'll fight."
Millard West (12-8).........................1 0-1
At Omaha Creighton Prep (9-8).........................0 0-0
• Goals: MW, Galley.
