Springfield MO Soccer

Kickapoo Chiefs – 1
Glendale Falcons – 0

The local derby went to the West side squad this evening, much like Nixa was able to get past Ozark last night. In the first of what might be four possible meetings this year (Kickapoo Shootout, Conference game later this month and Districts) it was a night to “Fear the ‘Poo” as their defense held strong against what has to be considered one of the best offensive units in the region. The goal was scored in the 61st minute by senior Lane Chapman, from a set piece. Caleb Collier sent a long ball from in front of the Kickapoo bench to the far side of the box where Ian Kennedy was able to rise up and put the ball back across the face of the net. Chapman, surprisingly unmarked in the 6 yard box, calmly slotted the ball into the open net on the left side.

The goal followed several significant opportunities for the Falcon’s, including Ian Newport’s header just over the bar and a shot cleared off the line by jr Skyler Russell during a Falcon’s corner kick. The Chief’s also saw a ball cleared off the line, by sr Ryan Squires in the first half. The Falcon’s pushed everyone forward and it appeared that an equalizer would come from the spot but the ball was placed just outside the box, with Devon Newport’s direct kick going over the crossbar.

It was an entertaining game, with plenty of physical moments but lacking the chippiness we’ve seen in other games. Several first time players in this rivalry showed quite well, in particular a pair of outside backs, Jesse Speer (#4) for the Chiefs and Hunter Horton (#10) for the Falcons.

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