LIBERAL — The Great Bend High School boys’ soccer team finished Western Athletic Conference play with a 1-0 victory over Liberal on Monday night.
The Panthers improved to 11-4 overall, 5-3 in WAC action.
“We finished second in the WAC,” GBHS head coach Gus Prieto said. “We finished behind Garden City.”
Defender Richard Lara scored the lone goal, heading the ball into the net off an Alex Urias corner kick.
“He came in real strong for a header,” Prieto said. “He’s the tallest player on our team, and he made a good play.
“We had a few chances to score. We had maybe three or four one-on-ones with the keeper.”
The Panthers travel to Wichita Independent on Thursday for their final game of the regular season.
“I think we’re ready for the end of the season,” Prieto said. “We were able to control the ball well against Liberal.
“Liberal started slow at the beginning of the season, but they’ve beaten some very good teams. I’m happy with how we did against them because I think it was a very good test.”
According to Prieto, Great Bend has secured home field for a Class 5A regional tournament. The Panthers will host a first-round game next Tuesday.
“Right now, we’re third in our regional,” Prieto said. “Salina Central is No. 1. Right now, Bishop Carroll is No. 2, but that could change.
“We should have the chance to play both regional games at home, but we have to win the first one.”

                                                             — Kevin Price