BETHANY — Bethany needed a second half rally to beat Harding Charter Prep, 3-2, Monday (May 5) at Southern Nazarene University’s Wes Harmon Field.

The win propelled the Bronchos to the quarterfinals of the Class 4A Boys Soccer State Tournament.

“It was a good soccer game from both sides,” Bethany coach Sean Williams said via phone. “I thought (Harding’s) boys played hard. I just thought we were hungry and the moment wasn’t too big for us.”

The Bronchos (11-4) scored early when senior Ruslan Calderon received a header from junior Eli Marquez and put it in the net.

“Calderon near post just got free and got into a great position and Eli played a great ball to the new post and he got a powerful header, great contact on it,” Williams said. “That’s a really good start to the game.”

Harding Charter (7-6) answered with a goal before halftime.

Williams thought the Eagles were a dangerous team despite the four-seed because Harding was in a tough district which “beat each other up.”

“I told our boys that they needed our full attention,” Williams said. “I thought our mentality was great on how we came out and played soccer.”

Harding took a 2-1 lead with a goal early in the second half.

Marquez answered with a goal from 25 yards to tie it up, 2-2.

“He just hit a absolute rocket,” Williams said. “It was a masterpiece.”

Marquez’s goal from a deeper position in the midfield at the suggestion of Williams’ assistant coach.

“(The coach) made a good call.”

With just under 10 minutes left, junior Denton Jaggers received a corner kick with a header. That created “chaos” in the 6-yard box and freshman Joey Hernandez finished it off, scoring to give Bethany a 3-2 lead.

Williams praised Jaggers, who made an impact.

“He was solid on the back line, winning balls, reading the game well, stepping and winning. He made several runs that were dangerous and created a lot of issues.”

Williams also commended the midfielders and junior Griffin Tarrant, a team captain.

“I thought they controlled the game. I thought the movement was much better.”

Senior Amani Bryant returned to the pitch after dealing with an injury.

“He’s a big strong forward. He was healthy enough to give us some key minutes up top,” Williams said.

UP NEXT

Bethany (11-4) hosts Skiatook Thursday (May 8) at 8 p.m.

The Bulldogs (11-4) beat Sallisaw, 5-4 in overtime, Monday.

Photographs courtesy of Kristie Escoe of Life in Action Photography.

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Harding Charter Prep (7-6)	1	1	2
Bethany (11-4)	1	2	3