Springfield MO Soccer

The Kickapoo Chiefs took the first step in their quest for the title in their own tournament this evening, defeating the Moberly Spartans 3-1. It was a win that was not easily achieved as the Spartans showed themselves to be a fast, hard-working squad unafraid to challenge the larger school. It was not until the 53rd minute that the Chief’s got what proved to be the game-winning goal when junior midfielder Luke Prater pounced on a loose ball that was not cleared following a corner kick. Once this dam was broken the Chief’s were able to get two more, from Heath Melugin and Tyler Williams Northrip before Moberly got one back in the 75th minute.

The Chief’s will face Lee’s Summit at 10am Saturday, winners in the early game over the Kickapoo JV who are filling the role of substitute for the missing Columbia Hickman team.

In the other big game, the Liberty Blue Jay’s gained some revenge on the Glendale Falcon’s by beating them 1-0 on a goal by senior Marcus Mallams. The goal came in the 22nd minute following a corner kick that was headed clear but fell to Marcus. His shot from outside the box to the far post eluded the goalkeeper and the Blue Jay’s had a lead they then settled in to defend. The game was very similar to the Falcon’s other loss, by the same score, to Cape Central two weeks ago. While shots and advantage were in the Falcon’s favor, the result was not. There were several good chances including one ball tipped off the crossbar midway through the final period but the Blue Jays took care of the rebound. I’ll work on some video highlights this weekend.

The Blue Jays get to sleep in now and will face Poplar Bluff at 10am. The Mule’s earned this opportunity by getting by the Nixa Eagles by the score of 2-1 in OT in the early match. The Mule’s know what to expect after having faced Cape Central twice already this year. Good luck fellows.

The early matches will feature Glendale facing Nixa at 8am. This will be a rematch for the teams who played recently in a game that was 5-1 to the Falcons. The other match will see Moberly taking on the Kickapoo JV squad.