Kearney Boys Soccer v. Columbus, A-5 District Semifinal 2024 // Mitchell Brandt
KEARNEY – Columbus entered Kearney High School Monday night, earning an upset win as the third seed Discoverers upended No. 2 Kearney 1-0 in the A-5 District Semifinal. Click here to listen to the broadcast replay.
Columbus entered the contest at 7-7 overall, but was anticipated to be a tough draw for the 11-5 Bearcats as the Discoverers had received plenty of preseason praise as one of the top teams in the state. Kearney had begun their year 0-3, but rallied to earn a home postseason matchup.
The contest was a rematch from nearly a month prior, as in late March Columbus fell to Kearney 3-2.
Kearney Boys Soccer v. Columbus, A-5 District Semifinal 2024 // Mitchell Brandt
The Discoverers came out aggressive and physical, employing their tall defenders to bully any long shots or passes to enter into Columbus territory. The battering play slowed down Kearney’s scheme, and eventually set up a Marcus Beltran strike (27′). Columbus had broke through the line of Kearney, as Beltran set up an inside shot that was batted down by a diving attempt by Nathan Hibberd of Kearney. Ultimately, the ball ended back in Beltran’s possession leading to the lone score of the evening.
The Bearcats were unable to add any scoring of their own despite long free-kick chances and throw ins directed towards the net in the second half.
Kearney ends their season 11-6 overall, as Columbus heads to Millard West Wednesday night to take on the top-seeded Wildcats.
