The Ryle Raiders will compete for a shot at a fifth straight 33rd District boys soccer title after defeating Boone County 4-1 on Tuesday night at Cooper.
With nine goals scored throughout their three game win streak, the Raiders entered the district tournament on a scoring tear.
“For us you know we’re a young team,” Ryle head coach Stephen Collins. “It’s taken us a while, but we’re finally starting to figure out our identity and where each player can be utilized on the field.”
The Raiders showed their composure early with build ups through the middle of the field while Rebels senior Parker Byland was able to dribble his way through defenders to break into the final third. Neither team could break through until Ryle senior Diego Lakkis knocked in his first of three goals on the night.
“I have to give credit to my teammates tonight,” said Lakkis who also attributed his success with his ritual of eating dates before each match. “Sounds crazy but, I think eating them gave me the energy I needed tonight.”
Boone County didn’t let up after conceding in fact, the Rebels were faced with a number of opportunities in front of goal. Ryle keeper Nicholas Heredia kept Boone County scoreless at the half after coming up with a crucial save off Rebels senior Edwin Pajazetovic.
It didn’t take long for Ryle to produce in the second half as Lakkis connected on a volley for his second goal just three minutes into the half. While Lakkis mimicked his favorite player, Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer’s signature goal celebration, the Rebels were forced into panic mode.
“To have the boost of Diego’s goal production really helps our guys because he’s really the energy of our team,” Collins said.
Attempting to increase their offensive attack, Ryle was able to take advantage of Boone County’s adjustment as sophomore Danny Harding caught the Rebels’ defense off-guard and snuck past the team’s third goal.
“Making the extra pass instead of trying to dribble through guys is something we’ve stressed all year,” Collins said. “I think we just keep getting a little better with each game and it’s finally starting to show.”
Lakkis capped off his hat trick with a finish to bring the Raiders scoring to an end. Boone County senior James Wetter was able to prevent a scoreless result for the Rebels as his goal brought the game to a close.
Led by 15 seniors, the Rebels improved off last year’s six-win season as the team finished 11-10 on the year. Although head coach Tony Trenkamp loses a number of seniors, sophomore Salem Mayala was a promising force for the program this season with 20 recorded goals.
As for the Raiders, they’ll look to continue their district success against a Conner program who bested them earlier in the season. “Facing them that early in the season, I know both programs have changed a bunch since then,” Collins said.
While the Raiders will seek their revenge, Lakkis wants to carry on the program’s dominance in their district. “Our goal is to grab that five-peat,” Lakkis said. “I’ll do whatever I can to make that possible. Conner’s a good team so we have to be prepared.”
Conner, who bested Ryle 2-1 in August, are looking to claim just their second 33rd District title since joining in 2012 whereas Ryle could claim their ninth over a 12-year span.
“We’ve got a lot of guys who are bringing new things to the team and even playing different positions since the last time we faced off against them (Conner),” Collins said. “It’s going to be a totally different game with a totally different style.”
Ryle and Conner will face off in the 33rd District finals at 8 p.m. on Thursday at Cooper following the girls’ finals.
Some more photos of Tuesday night’s 33rd District semifinal between Ryle and Boone County below, provided by Charles Bolton:
CONNER 3, COOPER 0
Conner was able to redeem themselves in the first round of the 33rd District tournament Tuesday night as the Cougars outlasted Cooper 3-0 to advance to the championship match.
After a first-round, 1-0 exit to the Jaguars in 2023, the Cougars were prepared to return the favor.
Cooper tested Conner’s senior goalkeeper Trey Wagner in the first minute as a flick from Jackson Harp off a corner just missed the post. The Jaguars had a number of chances on goal but were unable to convert in the first half.
Twelve minutes into the second half, Conner center back Kellen Faulkner rose over his defender and headed in the Cougars’ go-ahead goal. Sophomore Dallas Marshall gave Conner their insurance goal with a volley outside the box before striker Grady Noble sealed the deal in the final seconds with a breakaway finish.
Despite having more on-goal opportunities, Cooper was unable to deliver a response. The Jaguars end their season 10-8-2 and graduate eight seniors.
Cooper expects to return an incoming senior class of 14 which includes the team’s two leading scorers in Maddox Pemberton and Andrew Palmer who combined for 23 goals on the year.
Conner will play Ryle on Thursday night at Cooper for a shot at their first 33 District title in five years.
Some more photos of Tuesday’s 33rd District semifinal between Conner and Cooper below, provided by Charles Bolton:
