Cyclone boys win thriller over Glenwood at Creighton University

OMAHA- The Harlan Community boys soccer team played the second game of a double header with the girls soccer team on Thursday night in Omaha, where they took on conference foe Glenwood Rams in the annual game at Creighton University’s Morrison Stadium. 
The Cyclones won 1-0, and Cyclone head coach Levi Culp commented on his teams performance and on beating Glenwood for the first time since 2019.
“Overall, I thought we played really well,” Culp said.
“It was a big win for us especially against a Glen-wood team we haven’t beaten in several years so I’m really proud of the group.” 
The lone goal came off a sequence that embodied exactly how the Cyclones want to play.
Midway through the match, Will Schmitz threaded a perfectly weighted through ball into space, finding Jesse Vandervort in stride. 
Vandervort finished the chance cleanly, delivering what proved to be the game-winner.
“The guys moved the ball well and created a lot of quality chances by playing the right way,” Culp said.
“The goal was a great example of that, with Will Schmitz playing a perfect through ball to Jesse Vandervort, who finished it. That’s exactly the kind of soccer we’re trying to play.”
Vandervort was efficient in every sense, scoring on his only shot of the match and posting a 100 percent shot-on-goal and shooting percentage. 
Schmitz added the assist, accounting for the Cy-clones’ only other point of the night.
While the final score showed just one goal, HCHS generated steady offensive pressure throughout. The Cyclones recorded seven total shots and four on goal, with multiple players contributing to the attack. Jamison Clark, Cody Swank, and Jake Wageman each put attempts on frame, keeping Glenwood’s defense under pressure.
Still, it was the Cyclones’ defensive effort that ultimately defined the night.
Goalkeeper Lucas Paulsen was flawless between the posts, stopping all five shots he faced to earn the shutout. 
His performance was backed by a disciplined and organized defensive unit that limited Glenwood’s opportunities and closed down space throughout the match.
“Defensively, I thought we were excellent,” Culp said. 
“Lucas Paulsen did a great job in goal, and our backline, led by captains Levi Schechinger and Jake Wageman, was really solid all night.”
Culp also credited several players for stepping into key roles and helping maintain the clean sheet.
“Levi Obrecht, Phoenix Stevens, and Joseph Lopez all stepped up in a big way as well,” he said. 
“To come away with a 1-0 result against a team like that says a lot about their effort and discipline. We stayed organized and did a good job seeing the game out.”
The Cyclones did face some late pressure as Glenwood pushed forward in the closing minutes, but they held firm to preserve the victory.
“There were moments late where we got a little too focused on individual plays, but that’s something we can clean up,” Culp said.
Playing at Creighton has become a yearly opportunity for the Cyclones, and one that continues to resonate with players.
“It’s always a really neat experience for our players to get the opportunity to play at Creighton,” Culp said. “Even though it happens each year, it’s still special. For a lot of our guys, it’s a chance to compete in a high-level environment, and it’s something they’ll remember.” 
Vandervort’s goal also served as a testament to his recent growth.
After working through a stretch where results were hard to come by, the junior forward has stayed the course and it’s beginning to show.
“Jesse has been really impressive, especially with how he’s responded over the last couple of weeks,” Culp said. 
“He hit a stretch earlier where things weren’t quite clicking for him, but he stayed coachable, kept working, and now you’re starting to see that pay off.”
Culp pointed to Vandervort’s ability to consistently put himself in dangerous positions as a key factor.
“He’s always looking to create chances and has done a great job putting himself in good spots,” he said. 
“I’m proud of the way he’s handled that and the growth he’s shown.”
The Cyclones then traveled to Earlham to take on the Winterset Huskies a night later on Friday where they fell by a final of 2-1. 
The Cyclones returned to action Monday night in Council Bluffs against Abraham Lincoln.