The 2014 De Soto High School soccer regular season has come to a close. The team ended the season with a record of 10-4-2 with a second place finish in the Frontier League. The Wildcats now look to advance deep into the postseason.

Head soccer coach Darren Erpelding thinks this season went well overall. Although he was “disappointed De Soto didn’t win League,” he has high hopes for varsity to head to State.

“My hopes are to win Regionals and then get State,” Erpelding said. “I think we have a good shot at doing that if we play to our capabilities.”

Senior varsity goalie Dylan Mathern believed they played well  during non-conference games such as Bishop Miege High School, Kansas City Christian High School, and Lawrence Free State High School.

Some of the team’s strengths stemmed from its ability to work on the defense, according to Erpelding.

“Our defense has been really good,” Erpelding said. “We’ve only given up nine goals in 15 games. KC Christian was probably the best [them we played]. At the time, they were No. 3 in the state and we absolutely destroyed them.”

The Wildcats began Regionals with a 10-0 shutout over Eudora on Oct. 28. DHS will face Bishop Ward  at home in the Regional finals on Oct. 30 in hopes of advancing to next week’s State quarterfinals on Nov. 5. The winner of that game will advance to the State final four Nov. 8-9 held at Bonner Springs High School.