Photo by Fisher Madsen
Lincoln East Girls Are a Serious Threat
We knew the Lincoln East Spartans were going to be good this season. A state semifinalist last year, they returned nearly all of their scoring production and a host of DI talent, making them a strong contender this year. But if the first week is any indication, we might have underestimated just how dominant they could be.
The Spartans opened their season with a commanding 5-0 win over a solid Norfolk team. However, it was their Saturday showdown against No. 7 Millard West that truly turned heads. A well-rounded team effort led to a stunning 7-1 victory over the Wildcats.
With Lincoln Southwest and Marian, the two teams ranked ahead of them, also securing big wins this weekend, there likely won’t be any immediate movement in the rankings. But make no mistake. The Spartans have put the entire state on notice.
Photo by Fisher Madsen
Clara Fundus: The PK Shootout Queen
If for some reason you’re ever betting on a penalty shootout, the smart money is always on Clara Fundus.
In our Game of the Week between Lincoln Southwest and Lincoln Pius X, Fundus once again played the hero. After a scoreless regulation, the match headed to penalties, where she delivered three clutch saves to secure the victory for her team.
This performance is just the latest in a growing list of shootout heroics. Last season, she came up big against Marian, making two key stops, and then did it again in the championship game against Lincoln Pius X. As the Silverhawks chase a repeat title this year, they can rest easy knowing they have one of the best in the business guarding the net when the stakes are highest.
Photo by Fisher Madsen
Class B Boys: Wide Open Race
Admittedly, it might still be too early to tell, but after the opening weekend, it looks like the field could be wide open in regards to who wins the state championship. Yes, the path to the title should still run through the five-time defending champions Skutt Skyhawks, but as we saw this weekend, the Skyhawks are fallible, after they fell in a tough game to #3 Lexington Minutemen.
Does that then make the Minutemen the new favorites? Maybe. However, after this weekend, you might need to call them the 100-minute men. Lexington went to overtime in all three of their weekend games as they secured narrow victories. Meanwhile, other top contenders like Bennington and Mount Michael also had strong showings, proving they belong in the conversation.
With the way things are shaping up, we could be in for a season of chaos in Class B. If this weekend was any indication, anyone could make a run at Morrison Stadium.
The Start of Spring Soccer Continues to Be Unpredictable
The only predictable thing about spring weather in Nebraska is its unpredictability. After a stretch of warm, sunny days during the preseason, it was almost inevitable that a snowstorm would roll through the state just before kickoff.
With many fields still covered in snow the next day, more than half of the opening-day games were canceled. As a result, several teams remain a mystery—we simply haven’t seen them play yet.
Will this be the last time weather disrupts the season? Almost certainly not. After all, it wouldn’t be Nebraska high school soccer without a few unexpected twists.
