Hosting the Independence Bulldogs, the Parsons Vikings fell, 10-2, in SEK League boys soccer action on Thursday afternoon.
After taking a 1-nil lead early, Independence’s offense poured it on in the first half.
“We came out strong in the first five minutes and we got that quick goal,” Parsons head coach Jose Ramirez said. “We just started playing soft on them. We gave Indy the space and they took it.”
Parsons’ two goals came off the boot of freshman striker Michael Manners, both from the left side of the box.
“Those shots were perfect and he handled them with ease,” Ramirez said. “Not a lot of freshmen can dribble the ball up and chip the goalie like that. He’s been our main striker since we started the season.”
Thursday’s loss dropped Parsons’ record to 1-2 overall. The Vikings took down Fort Scott in the opener before losing to Paola in extra time.
“We won against Fort Scott, but then we didn’t bring the same team against Paola,” Ramirez said. “We could’ve won that Paola game by three or four goals. We’re on the right track. We just have to stay consistent as a team that plays hard.”
The Vikings sport one of the youngest rosters in the state, with Mario Zacarias as the lone senior for Parsons.
“Most of our games, we should go out there and win them,” Ramirez said. “That’s what I’m expecting. We focused on team building in the offseason. We did a lot of 6-on-6 during the summer. We tried to get the team together.”
Up next
Parsons hosts Chanute on Thursday.
