BETHANY – The Bethany Bronchos are on to the second round of the Class 4A State Soccer Championship after a 2-0 win over Woodward Tuesday (April 30).

Bethany travels to Fort Gibson Friday (May 2) for an 8 p.m. match.

For Bethany coach Sean Williams, it was a challenge to make the game on time. Williams, who also coaches the girls squad, rushed back from Clinton where the girls fell to the Lady Reds earlier in the day.

Neither team scored in the first half. Williams was concerned about severe weather and knowing that a game can be called after 60 minutes, he emphasized being aggressive, hoping to get on the scoreboard.

Sophomore Denton Jagger scored first, taking advantage of the Woodward keeper being out of position, scoring on a rebound.

“(Jagger) is just an unbelievable. I mean, he’s a he’s hungry for the ball. He attacks it. Well got great size. So he’s a he’s a difficult matchup,” Williams said.

Jagger scored again later in the half, sending the ball to the back post and giving the Bronchos a 2-0 lead.

“We really, we did a great job all night long. I think we limited Woodard to one or two corner kicks. They have a long throw in that plays like a corner kick. So, I think defensively just winning the 50/50 winning the direct balls over the top, winning the throw ins.” Williams said. “We we’ve played it better than we have all season, just being aggressive, using our heads, not letting the balls bounce and being first to the ball”

Bethany earned a shutout and Williams highlighted sophomore keeper Seth Greiner.

“He’s just developed a knack for it,” Williams said of Greiner who had more shutouts as a freshman than anyone in school history. “He reacts better than anybody.

“He’s not afraid to dive, not afraid to get dirty, not afraid to go up in traffic, just a confident kid that that we’re fortunate to have.”

UP NEXT: The Bronchos meet Fort Gibson Friday (May 3) at 8 p.m. Bethany beat Fort Gibson 1-0 on March 26.

Williams expects a physical game on the road.

“It’s a difficult place to play,” William said of Fort Gibson. “It’s extremely hostile.”

Since his squad knows what to expect, Williams believes his team will meet that challenege.

“They tend to come out and play with a purpose. And that’s what I expect on Friday.”

TEAM	1	2	F
Woodward	0	0	0
Bethany	0	2	2