Springfield MO Soccer

The countdown has begun. Only three more of these weekly updates that attempt to point you to the best in soccer in our region in the coming week. The Class 3 Final Four will wrap up that final weekly story. Let’s talk about what we can expect this week…

On the High School front, there are some interesting match ups this week that may provide more insight into the upcoming District playoffs.

UPDATE - Canceled due to the weather. Tonight Webb City visits Carthage. Or to put it another way, this is #5 visiting #4 as these two teams are scheduled to open District play against each other on Saturday at 1:00 pm. If the weather holds, that’s where I’m at tonight.

What can I say about Tuesday? Any good fan of high school soccer in the region has had Tuesday marked on their calendar since August. Glendale vs Kickapoo. Chiefs vs Falcons. Bragging rights. The Chiefs are on a quest to 1) claim the Ozark Conference title for themselves and 2) reclaim some recognition as they have slowly but surely worked themselves to the pinnacle of soccer in the region. Tuesday’s the final base station, there are still Districts and a Sectional match to get past but tomorrow’s game is about sending a message. Geez, should I make a prediction?

There is more to consider on Tuesday. #2 Parkview visits #4 Ozark for a Varsity-only game for a pair of District 12 opponents. These two teams won’t see each other again unless Ozark can win a pair of District games, including getting past Kickapoo in a semifinal. The thing is, Coach Davidson is sitting on 498 wins. Any of you think his boys might be prepared to do whatever it takes to get 499? I anticipate being there to see for myself.

Rolla is taking on a pair of District 10 opponents this week to prepare for Districts. They are at Jefferson City on Tuesday while Rock Bridge visits on Thursday. Waynesville will host Parkview tonight and visit Jeff City on Thursday.

Class 2 District 5 will open their playoffs with a play-in game on Friday afternoon at 4:30 pm. #8 Marshfield will take on #9 Willard at Bolivar High School, Bolivar, MO

I also have an important update regarding the Class 1 District playoffs which begin Saturday. Due to middle school soccer championships conflicts, the semi final games that were supposed to be played Monday, October 29th will be moved to Tuesday October 30th. The times will remain the same. The first seed will play on field 1 and the second seed will play on field 2. The championship game will still be played on Thursday November 1st at 7:00pm. The Calendar is updated.

Speaking of which, the Middle School League is in it’s final week. The Varsity semifinals are Thursday evening, game one at 6:00 pm and game two at 7:30 pm on field 13. The Final will be Monday next at 7:30 pm on Cooper 2.

On the college front, the Drury Lady Panthers will be hosting their first ever GLVC Conference playoff game. Sunday at 1:00 pm the University of Wisconsin - Parkside Rangers are visiting. Sarah “Goody” Goodman is the engine that runs this team and after honorable mention recognition from the Conference the past two years, I expect the coaches to recognize her sizable contributions with a first team berth this year. YOU should take your daughters to this game.

The other D2 programs in the region are wrapping up their Conference games this weekend. Missouri Southern hosts defending champions Washburn on Friday at 4:00 pm as part of a double-header with the men who play Midwestern State at 7:00 pm.

SBU is hosting Emporia State on Friday and Washburn on Saturday, both games are at 4:00 pm.
UMR is hosting Missouri Baptist in their final home game of the season Friday at 6:00 pm.

The Missouri State Lady Bears host conference opponent Illinois State on Friday evening at 7:00 pm. This is the final home game of the season for the Bears who have suddenly found their scoring mojo and are close to delivering on Jackie Jasper’s prediction earlier this season regarding their Conference opponents. The seniors - Megan Beebe, Kate Blair and Lauren Heck- will be recognized and the ladies will try to get their 3rd conference win. Keep an eye on Allie Osmundson, with game winning goals in the last two games, Caroline Sweeney and Samantha Aguilar. The teams success next year will rely on these three and goal keeper Jackie Jasper.

There are a pair of excellent Champions League games on ESPN2 this week. Tuesday brings Rangers (Scotland) vs Barcelona (Spain) and Tuesday it’s Chelsea (England) vs Schalke (Germany). Both games are being broadcast live beginning at 1:30 pm. Get the recorder fired up for these if you can’t take a business lunch like this intrepid reporter.