WICHITA — Derby’s Diego Vaquera scored two goals as the Panthers raced past Great Bend’s soccer team 3-1 in Wednesday’s Wichita South Titan Classic semifinal. Juan Sanchez scored the Panthers’ goal on a penalty kick.

Derby’s Rigo Salazar (37:30) opened the scoring off an assist by Caleb Day when he beat the Panthers’ defense from 20 yards. Vaquera (52:34) beat the Panthers’ defense from 35 yards and tipped a rebound past Panther goalie Edwin Chavez. Adrian Vielmas fed Vaquera (72:39) for the third goal on an open field shot from close range.

“It was frustrating. It wasn’t for lack of effort, but Derby took advantage when we didn’t do our defensive job,” said Great Bend coach Jesus Loera. “We got beat by a better soccer team on technique. Derby controlled the ball and we didn’t find our offensive rhythm with our passing game.”

The Panthers (2-1) play Wichita Northwest at 1 p.m. Saturday for third place.

GREAT BEND 3, EMPORIA 2 — Great Bend’s soccer team edged Emporia 3-2 Monday in the Wichita South Titan Classic. 

Panther Jonathan Pasos scored two goals and Gustavo Alvarado scored the eventual game-winner in the one-goal victory. Carlos Soto assisted on Pasos’ first goal (25:00). Angel Razo delivered a crossing pass to Pasos for the second goal (57:00). Soto delivered his second assist for Alvarado (68:00).

“We showed good effort and competed well,” said Loera. “Emporia matched up well with us. We adjusted, moved the ball quicker and played a faster pace. We finally found some offensive openings.”

Emporia took advantage of two defensive lapses for its goals, the second off a free kick.

SOUTH TITAN CLASSIC

SATURDAY FINALS—1—Wichita Carroll vs. Derby; 3—Wichita Northwest vs. Great Bend; 5—Hays High vs. Emporia; 7—Hutchinson High vs. Emporia

SECOND ROUND—Wichita Carroll 1, Wichita Northwest 0 (PK); Derby 3, Great Bend 1; Hays High 2, Hutchinson 1; Emporia 3, Salina Central 0

FIRST ROUND—Wichita Carroll, Hays High; Wichita Northwestm Hays High; Great Bend 2, Emporia 1; Derby 7, Salina Central 0