Bullpups Stun Undefeated Newton in Dramatic 2-1 Upset
Standfast's heroics and opportunistic offense hand Railers first loss of season
In what may go down as one of the most memorable victories in recent McPherson High School soccer history, the Bullpups pulled off a stunning 2-1 upset over previously undefeated Newton on Thursday night, handing the Railers their first loss of the season in dramatic fashion.
Many observers gave McPherson little chance against the high-powered Newton squad, but the Bullpups had other plans, delivering a defensive masterclass anchored by goalkeeper Gabe Standfast's spectacular 14-save performance.
"Tonight was one of the most fun games I've been apart of," said head coach Chris Adrian. "Watching the team beat an undefeated Newton side, that many thought we didn't have a chance against, was better than anything I could have imagined. You really had to be there to appreciate the incredible effort of the boys."
The Bullpups struck early and often when it mattered most. Just three minutes into the match, Parker Riemann capitalized on a perfectly executed counter attack, finishing a precise pass from Ben Bocox to give McPherson a shocking 1-0 lead that sent the home crowd into a frenzy.
"This goal filled the team with belief and confidence and really got the fans going early on," Adrian noted.
But the story of the night belonged to Standfast, who put on a goalkeeping clinic that may have cemented his status as one of the state's premier netminders. His 14 saves included a crucial penalty kick stop that proved to be the game's defining moment.
"Gabe Standfast is proving why he might be the best goalkeeper in the state," Adrian said. "That penalty save really was a defining moment that kept us in the game."
The second half saw McPherson continue their resolute defensive effort while waiting for their opportunity to strike again. That chance came with approximately 10 minutes remaining when the Bullpups earned a dangerous free kick.
In a moment of pure selflessness, Manny Morales passed up a shot opportunity to find Yahir Valadez, whose cross into the box created chaos in Newton's penalty area. The ball pinballed around before finding Beckett Schuckman, who calmly tapped home what would prove to be the match-winner, sending the stadium into delirium.
"On only our second shot on goal, the team took a 2-1 lead," Adrian reflected on the clinical finishing that defined the victory.
The final 10 minutes featured intense pressure from Newton, but McPherson's defense held firm to secure one of the program's most significant victories in recent memory.
"The final 10 minutes was feisty but the defense stood strong," said Adrian. "It really was a great example of bullpup soccer tonight and an amazing game to witness. I'm so proud of the boys and the effort they put into the game."
The victory continues McPherson's strong week following their overtime win against Buhler on Tuesday, giving the Bullpups significant momentum as the season progresses.
In junior varsity action, McPherson fell 6-0 to Newton.
Greg Loving
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