Excelsior Springs’ two victories last week in varsity boys soccer has coach Brett McKenzie looking forward to the rest of this season.

The first win occurred Sept. 16 on the road against Truman. Exploding for four second-half goals, the Tigers downed the Independence-based school 6-1.

Paxson Johnson and Ethan Tade led Excelsior Springs’ attack with two total goals each. Zeke Stout and Tyler Wartner each contributed a goal.

“We really took a step forward in the second half of the Truman game,” McKenzie stated Monday via email. “Our defensive press was much more organized and high intensity. We played high tempo, but also connected passes better than we had in our previous games. This allowed us to make great runs into the box and get players in dangerous scoring positions.”

The Excelsior Springs boys then defeated Kearney 5-3 Sept. 17 at Tiger Stadium. Wartner and Gauge Facciuto powered the Tigers with two goals apiece. Colten Smith also contributed a goal.

It was the Tigers’ second victory …