The Kickapoo Chiefs defeated the Joplin Eagles 2-0 this evening at Kickapoo High School. The game winner came in the 27th minute when sophomore Ryan Moses beat a defender in the corner and as he carried it up along the end line, his simple pass into the six yard box found an on-rushing Tyler Williams whose simple redirect slid into the unprotected far side netting.
The Eagles came out prepared to demonstrate why they feel they must be considered a contender on an annual basis and they did just that this evening. The team effort I saw ranks near the top of the games I’ve seen this season and I believe made the biggest difference between the early season 9-1 shellacking and tonights competitive match. As I’ve discussed on this site several times this season, it is difficult for any team in the region to match the weapons the Chiefs have but what the Eagles ensured is that there would be no easy goals. We’ve all heard the rallying cry - get the second ball - and that is what the Eagles did.
The final margin came on a goal by Ryan Moses in the 71st minute. The one time all evening that the Eagles slowed down was when they allowed themselves to get caught ball watching as the alternate referee flagged a foul but the center allowed play to continue. The Chiefs pushed the ball up the left sideline quickly and the centering pass to Ryan Moses put him in alone on the goalkeeper. His strike was well placed and finally slowed things down. While the Eagles did not quit, it was time to play out the season, offer respect to the victors and receive the congratulations of their fans for a season that finished very positively.
The Chiefs however are not finished. They will play in the Class 3 Sectional on Tuesday against the winner of the Glendale Falcons vs Rolla Bulldogs game.
A shout out to former Chiefs in attendance at the game, KC Wizard Jack Jewsbury and MSSU Lions Head Coach Kiley Cirillo, former teammates in the 90’s. Also seen at the game was MSU Head Coach Jon Leamy and former player Bryan Simpson.
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