Published on October 29, 2025 10:12 am
Last Updated on October 29, 2025 10:12 am
Effingham High School has been setting firsts all year long and the Hearts added to that Tuesday, winning its first ever soccer sectional match in school history.
The Hearts blanked Carlinville 4-0.
“The team played a great game with everyone playing their part,” said EHS Coach Logan Arney. “Beyond the stat sheet, it was a strong team game.
“Maicol Sefton scored two goals, Connor Delong scored one and assisted on one, Andrew Wagoner scored a goal and Gage Kinder and Luis Gonzalez both had an assist of their own.
“We held a clean sheet through a strong defensive performance as Brady Wilson wasn’t called on to make a save but he kept the defense organized and had great communication throughout.
“The game was likely played in front of the most EHS soccer fans in program history. The community showed their support and it was felt. That pushed the team forward and kept them motivated.”
The Hearts will now play Rochester in the sectional championship Friday at 5 p.m.
“Our fans play a big part in our success and we’re grateful to be able to play on our home turf. Come out and support the team as we look to make even more history.”
The Teutopolis soccer season came to an end as the Wooden Shoes fell to Rochester, 4-0 in the sectional semifinal.
The Shoes finished the season with a 15-4-3 record.
“We ended the season with 64 goals scored, 42 of those assisted and 21 goals conceded,” said T-town Coach Aaron Wendt. “The top three scorers were Landyn Buening with 18 goals, Joey Probst with 10 and Gavin Buening with nine. Simon Lee was our assist leader with 12.
“Goalkeeper Jake Kocher finished with 107 saves and 10 clean sheets. We were regional champs for the third year in a row. We are very proud of our team and what we accomplished this season.”