Springfield MO Soccer

Ryan Squires (in white) watches his game-winning goal headed for the net

Class 3 Semifinal
DeSmet Spartans – 1
Glendale Falcons – 2 (2nd OT)
Ryan Squires heads Devon Newport’s corner kick into the net in the 105th minute for the OT winner. The Falcon’s fought back from a 1-0 deficit in the first half, when they gave up a goal in the 31st on a heads up play by the DeSmet goal scorer. The Spartan’s also had a shot go off the crossbar and walked into the locker rooms at halftime feeling very confident. That as despite the fact that the Falcon’s had already begun to put their imprint on the game, moving the ball very well against the Spartan’s defense.

Devon Newport knotted the game in the 52nd minute on a direct kick from approximately 25 yards. The ball somehow went over the wall and slipped into the near post just underneath a diving attempt to stop it by the DeSmet goal keeper. The Falcon’s had begun their recovery prior to the goal but I believe that cemented the faith they had in the outcome. The Spartan’s are a very talented team, and will rue the opportunities lost, including another shot off the crossbar in the second half. But this was the Falcon’s game and the longer it went, the more likely it seemed that the Falcon’s would achieve the historic win. Historic for it sets up the first Class 3 Final without a St Louis team represented, and also for putting a Springfield large school team into the Final for the first time.

I’ve got over 200 photos to edit, it will have to wait for tomorrow since I have Catholic’s 10 am game to cover before the Falcon’s game at 7:00 pm tomorrow. This is going to take some time to digest and appreciate but I can tell you I’ve got four former players looking over my shoulder and enjoying the early peeks and marveling at the quality of play shown tonight. It was a well-deserved win for the Falcon’s against a quality opponent.

St Louis Post-Dispatch – Glendale Rallies for OT Win

Class 3 Semifinal -
McCluer North Stars – 0
Rockhurst Hawklets – 2

From the same Post Dispatch story above – Ian McReynolds, North’s sophomore keeper, had another outstanding game, keeping the Stars within striking distance. McReynolds finished with 12 saves.
KC Star – Hawklets blank Stars