Tonganoxie, KS — Tuesday night was a meaningful matchup for me personally as we welcomed Maranatha Christian Academy to Tonganoxie. MCA is my alma mater and the place where I began coaching high school soccer 12 years ago. I spent my first two years coaching there before coming to Tonganoxie. We've matched up many times over the years, but it's always special competing against a program that played such an important role in the beginning of my coaching career. Maranatha struck early in the first half after earning a free kick from a foul just outside our box. They capitalized with an incredible strike into the top-left corner, giving MCA an early 1-0 advantage. Maranatha has a young team this season, but they competed hard and made us work throughout the night. They have a lot of potential and should continue to get better as the season progresses. Our boys stayed patient and eventually found the answer in the second half. Sylas Lungu found Thaddeus Hileman, sending Thaddeus into a 1v1 with the goalkeeper. Hileman finished the opportunity to bring us level at 1-1. It was Sylas' second assist of the season and Thaddeus' second goal of the year. Then, with about five minutes remaining, freshman Mason Sparks stepped up in a huge moment. Mason collected the ball just outside the box and struck a beautiful shot into the top-left corner of the goal to give us the 2-1 lead. It was the first goal of Mason's high school career, and it couldn't have come at a better time. His strike proved to be the deciding goal as the boys saw out the final minutes and secured the victory. For our young group, this was another important early-season test. We fell behind early, continued to battle, and found a way to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 victory. Seeing a freshman step up and deliver the game-winner made the night even more memorable. To all of our sponsors, donors, families, and supporters — thank you. Your support through our Blast Athletics fundraiser helps provide opportunities and resources for our players and allows us to continue building this program. We appreciate having you with us throughout the season. Final: Tonganoxie 2, Maranatha Academy 1 Thaddeus Hileman — 1 Goal (2nd of the Season) Mason Sparks — 1 Goal (First Career Goal & Game-Winner) Sylas Lungu — 1 Assist (2nd of the Season)