Vincent Hsiao

Jordan Oiknine (12) shoots the ball against rival Clayton High School Sept. 18. Ladue came into districts with a 20-4 record. “It was an all-around performance from the team,” Oiknine said. “We’re playing more together than ever, and it will be a great game on Thursday.”

Boys Varsity Soccer defeated the Parkway South Patriots 1-0 to advance to the district semifinals Nov. 4. Jose Sanchez (11) got Ladue on the board in the 26th minute. Jeha Hwang (12) was credited with the assist. 

“Jeha gave me a good pass,” Sanchez said. “I dribbled in towards the middle, saw an opening and shot [the ball].”

Three cards were administered as the teams both fought to continue their seasons. A card was issued to Hwang with 23 seconds left in the first half. With a free kick awarded to Parkway South High School and an opportunity to tie the game, goalkeeper Seaton Thompson (12) made a save to keep the Rams ahead heading into halftime. Thompson recorded the solo shutout in goal.

Ladue applied lots of attacking pressure in the second half, generating many goal-scoring opportunities. The opposing goalkeeper made several dynamic saves and held the deficit to one. Parkway South had a few chances of their own, including a breakaway with only Thompson to beat. Marc Proskey (12) raced back and made a crucial stop to protect the lead. 

The players of the game were Sanchez, Thompson and Owen Prange (12). Ladue will now advance to play Parkway West High School Nov. 6 at Parkway South High School.

“It feels great [to move on],” Sanchez said. “It was a tough game. We didn’t know if we were going to win or lose until the last minute, so it’s pretty relieving.”