Missouri Girls Soccer Playoffs: Class 1 District 12 Update

I love playoff soccer. I caught a pair of games in Willard today and both were upsets. Emotions and spirit ran high and the quality of play meant there were no losers. I have 600 photos from these games and the Springfield Demize match so come back for more on the beautiful game in Southwest Missouri later. Update – everything is up!

#6 Greenwood Blue Jays – 1 (2nd OT)
#3 Bolivar Liberators – 0
The biggest upset of the day belonged to the newcomers, the Greenwood Blue Jays who entered their first ever District playoff against the Bolivar Liberators. On a warm, sunny day with a strong breeze blowing, depth and stamina appeared to be the key ingredients. Both teams had several opportunities throughout the game including breakaways but no one was able to finish until freshman Maddie Esther slid one past the keeper two minutes into the second OT period. It came against the run of play and started from a familiar model. Greenwood cleared a corner kick out to the far right touch line where sophomore forward Mariah Allai was able to hold the ball and break up the line into the offensive end. Ester broke with her and Allai’s diagonal pass sent Esther in on goal with a pair of defenders in her wake. Her simple ball did what no one else had been able to do all do, slip past the keeper. Greenwood is now 1-0 all time in District play

#5 Joplin McAuley – 1
#4 West Plains Zizzers – 0
In a rematch of an earlier season game that ended by an identical score, the West Plains Zizzers threw everything into their final match of the season. With starting goalkeeper Jamie Brassfield out due to an ACL injury, the Zizzer’s had one of their top offensive threats, Michelle Esterle, playing in the nets instead. The McAuley goal came in the 55th minute when senior Jonna Brothers was sent into the box by teammate Ali O’Dell with a pass over the top of the defense. Brothers was able to touch the ball past the onrushing keeper (pictured) for the only goal of the match. The Zizzer’s fought back, outshooting McAuley 15-12 but were unable to get the equalizer. Note: corrected player information.

#2 Willard Tigers – 3
#7 Marshfield Blue Jays – 0
With a pair of goals from Patsy Middleton and one from senior Regina Bodine, the Tigers get to take on Greenwood Monday in the second semifinal game.

#1 Catholic Fightin’ Irish – 11
#8 Pleasant Hope Pirates – 1
The Irish scored their first goal in the second minute when junior Tara Bailes volleyed a cross into the net. Sophomore Anna Delong sent a rifle shot into the top right hand corner a few minutes later and Catholic cruised through their first game.

Monday’s semifinal games are as follows:
5:00 pm Catholic vs McAuley
7:00 pm Willard vs Greenwood