Berean Academy soccer team downs DeSoto to reach finals

The Berean Academy Warriors used the throw-in to reach the Class 4-3-2-1A state semifinals at Circle High School.

The Warriors used their heads, literally, to make it to today’s state championship after beating DeSoto 2-0 at Thunderbirds Stadium.

Berean (15-4) actually started on their heels as the Wildcats pressured at the start of the game before the Warriors settled down to control the ball for most of the remainder of the first half.

The Warriors scored their first goal in the 24th minute when senior Caleb Veer headed a corner kick from junior Broxton Busenitz. Berean had three shots on goal in the first half, while Desoto only took one shot.

Desoto (12-8) was much more aggressive against the Warriors, getting three shots on goal and four corner kicks in the first 20 minutes of the second half.

The second Berean goal came on one of only two serious attacks the Warriors had after intermission. A long kick went through the Wildcat goalkeeper's hands and senior Blaine Busenitz headed the ball into the empty net.

Berean goalkeeper Karlin Wiebe recorded six saves in the shutout.

The Warriors will face Lenexa-St. James Academy (11-10) in the final at 2 p.m. today. The Thunder won a penalty-kick shootout against Rose Hill 4-2 after the teams battled to a 1-1 tie after 110 minutes of play.

DeSoto 0 0 —0

Berean Acad. 1 1 —2

1. BA Caleb Veer (Broxton Busenitz) 24m.

2. BA Blaine Busenitz (Owen Beverlin) 60m.

Total shots — De. 2-4—6, BA 4-1—5. Shots on goal — De. 2-3—5, BA 3-1—4. Saves — De.: Tyler Buffkin (L) 2-0—2. BA: Karlin Wiebe (W) 2-3—5. Corner kicks — De, 8, BA 3. Fouls — De. 8, BA 15. Offsides — De. 0, BA 1. Cautions — De.: Brett Heryl. BA: Beverlin.