Liberal’s Soccer Dream Comes True

Everyone who followed the soccer program had faith that it would happen someday. Liberal knocked on the door too many times to be denied a state championship after advancing to the final four eight of the past nine years. St. Thomas Aquinas won eight straight state titles from 2005 to 2010, limiting Liberal’s opportunities. The private school in Kansas City is known as one of the top program’s in the midwest. But this year, it’s time to look west. The Liberal Redskins defeated Blue Valley 3-1 Saturday at Kansas City Piper High School for the school’s first soccer state title. It’s Liberal’s first KSHSAA state championship since boys and girls track in 2004.

Lori Navarro who has coached every game in the program’s 13 year history, wins the big one. She has already won bigger battles however, not only turning this program into a consistent winner taking 11 straight WAC titles, but her team credited God with all the Glory of this season. This season was sputtering on the brink of obscurity in mid-September when the Redskins were 2-5 after a loss at Wichita North to Blue Valley West on September 23. Liberal hasn’t lost since and won 12 straight to finish the season.

It was scoreless at the half before Eduardo Moreno scored two goals. Blue Valley made it 2-1 but it was apparent that this is Liberal’s year when Misael Moncayo booted home the exclamation mark ten seconds later to make it 3-1.

LHS head coach Lori Navarro will be a guest during the Monday Sportsguys on Talkradio 1270 and kscbnews.net. LHS athletic director Scott Hinkle will also be a guest.