If the weather cooperates (although I need to be inside finalizing the Magazine…) there are LOTS of opportunities to see some fine soccer this weekend.

I’m going to have to put a poll up one of these days because I think my High School soccer coverage is the most important item for the vast majority of you. But I’ll get to those items in a minute…

The Missouri State women’s soccer team hosts 18th-ranked Kansas Friday night at Plaster Field. The Jayhawks come to Missouri State for the first time since 2003 boasting a 4-0 record on the season. They’ve also outscored their opponents 11-3. If your daughter is thinking about playing college soccer, this is a MUST SEE. The Bear’s lost in overtime last year at Kansas. This is a new and stronger squad that may be developing into the best one I’ve seen outside of Jackie Hood’s senior year (2005). Come support!

The Missouri Southern Lions host regional and MIAA opponent Southwest Baptist on Saturday afternoon at 12:00 pm. This should be an excellent game for folks in Joplin. The Lions lost to Central Missouri in OT on Thursday, as the Mules found a way to keep Nicki Llewellyn without a shot. The Bearcats shut out Emporia State 3-0 in their MIAA opener.

The Drury Panthers host Southern Indiana on Sunday, Women play at noon and the men at 2:30 pm. They’ll be returning from their games on Friday at UMSL.

The Missouri S&T Miners are at home on Friday against Southern Indiana and then host Kentucky Weslyan on Sunday.

Moving onto Club Soccer, I just found out that Springfield SC is hosting some Midwest Regional League games this weekend. The Boys U14 West Division will be playing a series of games on Saturday and Sunday at Lake Country Soccer. Games at 9am, 11am and 3pm on Saturday as well as 8am and 10am on Sunday, the games will feature select teams from Chicago, Milwaukee, St Louis as well as our local boys. SSC plays at 11am Saturday and 10am Sunday if you want to get out and see what this level is like.

Finally, there are more High School games then I can count. New Covenant and Christian County are both hosting tournaments as is Rolla. Check my Calendar for details.