Ozark Tigers – 1
Glendale Falcons – 2
The Glendale Falcons, coming off a dismal weekend in Sedalia, waited until the 90th minute to send a message to their Southwest Missouri foes. Senior Jenni Frewin, receiving a square ball from freshman Molly Brewer, was able to run straight at Ozark’s Paige Hemphill, calmly slotting her shot to the far right post just outside the reach of the onrushing keeper. The goal came as a result of Mindy Rose Moffe’s (#2 red above) hard work on the right side, defending against an attack down the wing before sending the ball back down the line to Brewer. The whistle blew shortly after the restart, giving the Falcon’s the key District win.
After early opportunities for both teams, the Tigers got the early lead in the game. Senior Eva Swert (#21) received Megan Gunnels diagonal ball in full stride, running into the box before turning her defender and calmly slotting her shot to the far upper 90 in the 5th. In the 29th, Karis Hefton scored from 15 yards as she confidently knocked an attempted clearance into the upper right corner. It came after a 40 yard free kick by Emilee Williams that was knocked down but not controlled by the keeper.
The teams battled hard, and I thought this might be the breakthrough game for the Tigers in their attempt to get past the Falcon’s. It was an important step, although not the final one obviously, coming back from last year’s two shutouts against the Falcon’s and giving them a scare. The second half was a game fought in the midfield with both teams gaining the momentum for periods of time. I felt the Tiger’s came out in a somewhat defensive mode, giving up too many balls between their forwards and their midfielders, thus limiting their chances. At the same time, they showed great discipline and organization during the game and created some good opportunities. I’d be practicing corner kicks and throw-ins in the offensive end in anticipation of the next match up.
Central Bulldogs -
Neosho Wildcats -
Carl Junction Bulldogs – 1
Joplin Eagles – 3
Joplin goals by Kelsey Sanders, Yasmin Ulloa and Ashlea Norman.
Bolivar Liberators – 10
Pleasant Hope Pirates – 0
Game stats are: Jonna Welch 3 goals 1 assist, Jody McFarlen 2g 1 a, Sarah Magana 2 g, Jaclyn Bradshaw 2g, Mariah Roberts 1g, Laura Beth DeShazo 1a
Marshfield Blue Jays vs Branson Pirates moved to May 11th
Springfield Catholic vs Greenwood Blue Jays moved to Wednesday April 29th at 5pm
Joplin 3 V Carl Junction 1. Joplin goals by Kelsey Sanders, Yasmin Ulloa and Ashlea Norman.