Kickapoo Shootout, Day One

Kickapoo Shootout: Lafayette Lancers Shut Out Smith-Cotton TigersLafayette Lancers – 1
Smith-Cotton Tigers – 0
Niña Walters scores in the 68th minute for the Lancers. The goal came from an attack that found the Tigers struggling to clear and Walter’s pounced on a ball just outside the six yard box and lifted it to the opposite of the net. Lafayette faces the host Chiefs at 11:30 am on Saturday.

Jackson Indians – 2 (2 OT)
Kickapoo Chiefs – 1
Chiefs tie the game in stoppage as McKenna Adam’s heads in a cross from Amanda Dominguez. Jackson gets a game-winner 3 min into 2nd OT from SEMO-bound Bobbi Jo Schlick. She describes her game-winner in the video below.

Kickapoo Shootout: Rockwood Summit Falcons Knock Off Glendale Falcons in OTGlendale Falcons – 1
Rockwood Summit Falcons – 2 (1st OT)
34th min goal by Rockwood’s Meghan Herndon (#2) holds up until the 67th when Jeni Frewin scores from a scramble in the box from a corner kick. Glendale had shots off the crossbar and upright in the final 15 min of regulation but couldn’t get the winner.

That fell to Jr forward Kristin Bright, who turned her defender and buried her shot over the GK head from just inside the box. Kristin partners up with fellow front runner Paige Meggison, who provided the service on the goal, to describe it.

To update you, Rockwood is in District 6 with Eureka, Lafayette, Marquette, Parkway South and Washington. Eureka took the honors at Ozarks early season tourney and Parkway South beat Kickapoo last weekend at the Parkway College Showcase. A very tough public school lineup. Summit hoisted the plaque two years ago, and many of the current players were on that team but lost in the semifinals last year to Lindbergh.

Kickapoo Shootout: Ozark Tigers Defeat Jeff City Jays in OTOzark Tigers – 1 (1st OT)
Jeff City Jays – 0
Alicia Collard ran onto Rachel Haden’s header that sent her into the box unmarked 6 min into the 1st OT. She describes it below. Pictured at right is the Jay’s Karla Steiner shooting against defender Jayme Braun and GK Paige Hemphill.

Springfield Catholic – 1 (2nd OT)
Rock Bridge Bruins – 0
Scoreless for almost 100 minutes, the Fightin’ Irish avoid PK’s when sophomore Shelby Hatz converts her break away opportunity in stoppage time. The ball came from senior Maddie Renner and Hatz found the focus necessary to finish the play after several earlier opportunities. Find out the difference in the video below.

Parkview Vikings – 2
Parkway West Longhorns – 7
After going down 0-2 at half, the Vikings battled back and found themselves down 2-3 midway through the second half. Shelby Stewart scored two goals to keep the Viking close, both on through-balls followed by Shelby burning a defender with speed and beating the keeper in 1 v. 1 situations. The defense was not able to hold up, however, and the Vikings gave up 5 goals in the second half to lose 2-7.

Smith-Cotton Tigers – 3
Kickapoo Chiefs – 1
The Tigers came out stronger in this 2nd match for both teams this evening, get a pair of goals. The first came as a pair of passes created an opening allowing ? to bury a ball at close range. Mizzou-bound Jessica Greer got the 2nd as the Tigers got numbers into the box and she slid to the far post where she confidently buried a ball that came in over the defense. The Chiefs got one back as sophomore McKenna Adams follows her initial shot and picks up the rebound of Abby Anderson’s shot to go into the 6 yard box and bury a fine left-footed shot into the far side netting.

Smith-Cotton got their 3rd goal in the 2nd half for the final margin. That will make getting up for an 8am match tomorrow a bit easier.

Big Tournament Weekend – Kickapoo, Neosho, Branson

I’ll have the schedules in my Google calendar before lunchtime is over so if you are out this weekend enjoying the weather, you can find a game in your area and at a time that is convenient.

kickapoo-shootout-2008-skull_120The big tournament, bringing in state-ranked programs, is the Kickapoo Shootout now in it’s 14th year. Games begin today at 3:30 pm, including the host Chiefs taking on Jackson (near Cape) which is always a good match. Both teams are part of the Brown group this year which includes Sedalia Smith-Cotton, with Mizzou-bound Jessica Greer playing up top generally and Lafayette, regularly one of the top girls public programs in the state.

Glendale and Catholic are competing in the Gold group along with Central Missouri leader Rock Bridge and Rockwood Summit from the St Louis area. The White group includes Jeff City, Ozark, Parkview and Parkway West. Games run until 10pm tonight and begin again at 8am tomorrow. Kickapoo Girls Shootout 2009!

neosho_logo125Neosho, a favorite to win the District 12 title this year based upon early results, will include 6 teams in 2 groups, leading to a title game on Saturday. Gold Divisions teams include the hosts, Neosho along with Hillcrest and Carl Junction. Black Divisions teams include Willard, Joplin and regular participant Van Buren (AR). A pair of games this evening, along with 4 games tomorrow morning will result in a 4pm 3rd place game and 6 pm title match. With 4 of the 6 members of District 12 participating, we’ll get another good look at where things stand. 2009 Neosho Tournament Schedule

Branson Pirates Red ShipThe Branson Pirates not only opened Girls Soccer play this year, they’ll host their own tournament this weekend. The Pirates have invited the two other new programs in the region, Logan-Rogersville and Carthage, to join Marshfield in pulling together a mini-Central Ozark Conference tournament. Each team plays the other over the course of the next two days. Branson vs Carthage opens at 5pm this evening and Branson vs Marshfield will wrap things up beginning at 3:30 pm tomorrow. Branson Inaugural Tourney 2009

Thursday Southwest Missouri High School Girls Soccer Report

Bolivar Liberators Win On Late Goal at Nixa Eagles
Bolivar Liberators – 5
Nixa Eagles – 4
The Liberators knocked off their Central Ozark foes with a goal by freshman Sara Magana (28), who leaped into the air near the penalty spot to meet Jonna Welch’s (excellent cross from the right side, nodding it into the net beyond the reach of the keeper. Beautiful goal, scored in the 77th minute, to negate a comeback by the Eagles from a 4-2 halftime deficit.

Both teams are very athletic and committed, it was a lively game that saw the attack go back and forth throughout the match. 2-2 only 20 minutes into the game, Bolivar went on to score two more to gain the early advantage. A shot by Jonna Welch from the right side just outside the box somehow fell under the cross bar, and a throw-in by Julie Magana (23), done via the flip and near the endline, worked to perfection as she put it to the near upper corner where it was easily knocked in when the keeper was unable to handle the hard throw.

Both teams came out hard in the 2nd half but it was the Eagles that began to put together the passes necessary to maintain possession and create opportunities for themselves. The first came from the penalty spot, following a foul in the box. Taken confidently by Kelsey Haist, it energized the Eagles further and they continued the attack. The 4th goal was a beauty, nodded into the net at the far post by (18) from Haist’s cross near the right endline. Haist got to the spot by picking up an attempted clearance and then battling through 3 defenders, pushing the ball past a second attempt to stop her in the box, and then delivering the quality ball.

Bolivar’s goals were scored by Jody McFarlen (PK), Hannah Harris, Julie Magana, Jonna Welch, and the game winner in the 75th minute by Sarah Magana.

Bolivar and Nixa both have teams prepared to compete. The Liberators just want to go forward, and have the youth and energy to do that all night. Nixa appears poised to join Glendale, Kickapoo, Ozark and Catholic as a program that wants to move the ball on the ground and create goals. When they spread the field tonight, they were able to do just that. Bolivar’s pressure, and some early season injuries, meant they weren’t able to get the job done in the time available to them tonight. I’m looking forward to seeing both teams several more times with the playoffs only a month away now.

UPDATE – KSPR features Liberator goalie Sara Scott as their “Wendy’s Athlete of the Week” – http://www.kspr.com/sports/43146097.html

Logan-Rogersville Wildcats – 4
Hillcrest Hornets – 0
Senior Michelle Crawford had 3 goals, Hannah McGaughy had 1 goal

Fatima -
Richland Bears –

Parkview Vikings – 3
Laquey Hornets – 0
Shelby Stewart 1g 1a, Jessica Maerz 1g, Melanie Allen 1g, Caylin Manary- shutout

Joplin McAuley – 3
Carl Junction Bulldogs – 0
Goals by Jae Stephens, Erin O’Keefe, and Sammi Graham. Arielle Santillian 2 assists, Sarah Onstot first ever shutout.

Janessa, Honorary Captain, Mt Home Bombers

Janessa, Honorary Captain, Mt Home Bombers

Mtn. Home (AR) Bombers – 4
West Plains Zizzers – 0
Janessa, a fourth grader in the Mt Home (AR) school district is a big soccer fan. She’s battling cancer and goes to Little Rock every 2 weeks for chemo but wanted to see a game. The good weather meant today was the day – Janessa was an honorary captain and the team presented her a signed ball. The Zizzer’s offered a jersey signed by all the players (pictured) as well. Janessa handled the the coin toss (we lost the toss and mtn home deferred and let us have the choice anyway – good sportsmanship). It was a big night for Janessa and a nice win for the Bombers.

Glendale Falcons – 8
Waynesville Tigers – 0
Alix Opfer (2G/1A), Molly Brewer (1G/1A), Emily Cline (1G/1A), Lindsey Sprouse (1G/1A), Jeni Frewin (1G/1A), Mindy Moffe (1G), Erica Torgeson (1G), Emilee Williams (1A), Karis Hefton (1A).

Greenwood Blue Jays – 3 (PK’s)
Marshfield Blue Jays – 2
100 minutes could not decide the contest but Greenwood prevails in pk’s. Marshfield goals scored by Kylea Ryser and Alex Cantrell. Liza Salisbury and Cook record the Greenwood goals

Camdenton Lakers – 2
Branson Pirates – 0
Goals were scored by Stephanir Kirvan, Latea LaRue, Jessica Smith, Haley Baker, and Kayla Utley. Smith and Baker each had an assist while Ashley Paschel had two assists on the night.

Rolla Bulldogs Shut Out Hillcrest Hornets

Rolla Bulldogs Shut Out Hillcrest Hornets

Rolla Bulldogs – 10
Hillcrest Hornets – 0
A tough challenge for the Northside Springfield squad, as they traveled to Rolla on Wednesday to face the District 10 favorites in a game delayed one day due to field conditions. The game ended on Ashley Kerr’s goal when she followed Olivia Cox’s shot from the top of the box. Jillian Gerkey rejected the initial shot with her diving save but Ashley lifted it over the prone keeper from just outside the six yard box. The Hornets never backed off and made several trips into the Bulldogs box during my period at the game (2nd half) but don’t have as sophisticated an attack and were shutout.

For the Lady Bulldogs both Jaclyn Standfast and Ashley Kerr had hat tricks, with three goals each. Olivia Cox tallied two goals and Emily Spooner and Caitlin McFarland each added one. Cox and Kerr each had two assists with Kim Carter and Spooner scoring one each.

I took some time afterwards to chat with a pair of senior co-captains for the Bulldogs, checking in on their results so far this season and what the teams goals are. Here are Kim Carter and Ashley Kerr.

By the way, I saw today that Kim has signed to play at Fontbonne University Griffins in St Louis, joining former teammate Kaitlin Bramel at the D3 program.

Ozark Lady Tigers Organize Benefit Concert For Breast Cancer

“Kickin for a Cure” is a concept created by Eric Stratman, the director of the Adidas Tournament of Champions. The Ozark Lady Tigers have been invited to participate in this premier level high school girls soccer tournament scheduled for May 1 and 2, 2009 in Burlington, Iowa. The event will feature many of the top 50 high school girls teams in the country. All teams participating in the tournament have been asked to join in the fight against Breast Cancer and to raise funds to support the search for a cure.

4evr-02Benefit Concert Saturday April 25th
6:00 – 8:00 pm at the Ozark High School Gym
featuring
Branson’s “4Ever Motown”
4Ever Motown
has generously agreed to donate their time and energy for this benefit concert and all proceeds from the concert will be used to support the fight against Breast Cancer. The Ozark Lady Tigers plan to present checks to the Tournament of Champions “Kickin for a Cure” campaign and to our local “Christian County Relay for Life” event. Please mark your calendar and plan to come out for a fun evening full of great music for a great cause!

Lake Country Soccer Night with the Springfield Cardinals

Springfield CardinalsWednesday, June 3rd, 2009 is Lake Country Soccer night with the Springfield Cardinals. Teams playing in the LCS league have an opportunity to raise funds for Lake Country and for the team.

Each team sells tickets ($9 face value) to the June 3rd game versus the San Antonio Missions. $3.00 comes back to Lake Country Soccer ($1.50 goes to LCS and $1.50 goes to the team).

All participating teams will be in the pre-game parade of Hammons field and will get in a photo with a Cardinals mascot.

The top selling team will be the FIELD OF DREAMS Team, where each player is introduced, takes the field and stands with the Springfield Cardinals for the National Anthem.

The coach of the top selling team gets to conduct the first ever “First Kick” at Hammons Field AND the coach of the top selling team gets an autographed soccer ball signed by the Springfield Cardinals.

Every participating player gets a FREE collectible coin.

For information on how your team can sell tickets or to reserve tickets, please call Ryan with the Springfield Cardinals at (417)-832-3013.

Tuesday Ozarks High School Girls Soccer Report

Parkview Vikings – 4
Joplin Eagles – 0
The first goal of the match game from Shelby Stewart on a shot from distance that snuck in, giving the Vikings a 1-0 lead. Later in the first half Melanie Allen crossed a great ball to Jessica Maerz who was running on and struck the ball into the corner netting for a 2-0 lead that the Vikings took into halftime. Stewart scored again in the 2nd, from Loderhose, while Maerz completed the scoring on an assist from Stewart. Website story. Joplin was outshot 14-6, according to its stats, and Eagle freshman Casee Wheeler had nine saves. Joplin falls to 3-7.

Marshfield Blue Jays – 2
Logan-Rogersville Wildcats – 0
The Jays got goals from Jennifer McArthur and Kylea Ryser while winning at home against COC and District foe LogRog.

Neosho Wildcats – 1
Carthage Tigers – 0
The Wildcats continue their winning ways in District 12 while the teams establish a new rivalry to match the boys per the Neosho Daily News. In the 20th minute, Shelby Murray notched yet another goal when she got a cross pass from Melanie White.

That, essentially, was the entire game.

Nixa Eagles – 2
Willard Tigers – 0

Kickapoo Chiefs – 2
Lebanon Yellowjackets – 0
The Chiefs controlled much of the game tonight, keeping the ball in the Yellowjackets defensive end. In the 14th minute Marin Gelshiemer scored from about 40 feet on a strong shot that went just under the crossbar and over the keepers hands. Half time 1-0 lead for the Chiefs. The score remained 1-0 until, in stoppage time, Katie Lynn pushed a ball through a crowd of players providing the final margin of victory for the Chiefs.

Glendale Falcons – 9
West Plains Zizzers – 0
The Zizzer’s kept it close for a half, down 0-2 before the Falcon’s offense opened up in the 2nd half. Emily Cline (3G/1A), Jeni Frewin (2G/1A), Molly Brewer (2G/1A), Lindsey Sprouse (1G/1A), Alix Opfer (1G), Emily Jordan (1A), Katie Brewer (1A).

Ozark Tigers – 10
Branson Pirates – 1
The Tigers website has the details in Tigers Pillage the Pirates. The Tigers move to 10-3-0 on the season.

Rock Bridge Bruins – 2
JC Jays – 1
Sophomore Sarah Humphrey and junior Kelsey Whittet both scored in the second half for the Bruins (3-4). Nearly five minutes after the Bruins’ second goal, Kinsey Shouse scored for Jefferson City (2-7) on a penalty kick.

Marc VanDover replaced three-year varsity coach Kelly Gates as head Coach of the Bruins, who resigned Friday. Rock Bridge Athletic Director Jennifer Mast said Gates left for personal reasons. The Missourian offers details on the team.

Camdenton Lakers – 4
Waynesville Tigers – 0
Camdenton goals were scored by junior Latea LaRue, sophomore Ashley Paschel, freshman Kayla Utley and freshman Cassie Hale. Sandra Shore was in goal for her fourth shutout of the season. Senior Stephanie Kirvan, junior Jessica Smith and Utley all had an assist in the match.

Rolla Bulldogs hosting the Hillcrest Hornets – moved to Wednesday

Springfield Catholic – 2
Bolivar Liberators – 0
The Catholic girls defeated their COC rival 2-0 on goals from Andrea Parker in the 8th minute and Shelby Hatz in the 18th minute. Rachel Herron assisted on Parker’s goal and Parker assisted Hatz.

Tune in to KSPR Thursday night for Bolivar goalkeeper Sara Scott as Wendy’s High School Athlete of the Week.

Rob Podeyn named SBU women’s soccer coach

robpodeyn BOLIVAR, Mo. — Southwest Baptist University has announced the hiring of Rob Podeyn as head women’s soccer coach. Podeyn becomes the eighth head coach in the history of the SBU program. He joins the Bearcats after serving as the head women’s soccer coach at Northwood University in Cedar Hill, Texas, a position he held since 2006.

Podeyn (pronounced po-DINE) has taken NAIA Northwood from a #212 national ranking and 3-12 conference record to a #34 national rank and two consecutive conference championships. His teams have produced 16 all-conference players, two all-region players and one All-American in three seasons. For the last two seasons, Podeyn’s teams were recognized by the NAIA as Academic All-American teams with a 3.18 GPA.

Prior to Northwood, Podeyn was head men’s and women’s soccer coach at William Woods University in Fulton, Mo., from 2003 through 2006. The women’s program went from #104 to as high as #27 in three seasons. The program ranked first in improvement in the country in NCAA or NAIA in 2003-04 to 2004-05 after a 50-goal improvement.

Podeyn and his wife, Sondra, have two sons: Roby, 14, and Matthew, who turns 12 this week. Coach Podeyn will begin his duties with the Bearcats on May 1.

PS – the Southwest Baptist Bearcats play against the Drury Panthers in a Spring exhibition game this evening at Harrison Stadium, beginning at 7 pm.

Tornado National Table Soccer Championship Opens In St Louis Thursday

foosball_zone_professionnelsOnce a hub of some of the world’s largest tournaments worldwide, an estimated 200 of the nation’s most elite “foosball” players are again descending on St. Louis, Missouri to compete in the Tornado National Table Soccer Championships. To take place April 16 – 19, 2009 at the Hilton St. Louis Airport Hotel, the tournament will include a wide variety of events, including doubles, singles and mixed doubles with divisions for masters, pros, semi-pros and amateurs.

Opening events begin at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 16th, with most finals occurring on Sunday the 19th. There are entry fees for players who wish to compete in any events. Spectators and press are welcome and there is no admission fee to enter the tournament room. All competition will take place on Brunswick’s Tornado Table Soccer tables, one of five official tables used for international pro tour play. St Louis Player Registration Flyer

Man does this bring back memories of many hours, quarters and beers over the Foosball tables at The Granary on the East-side in the late 70′s and early 80′s. I prided myself on my ability to block a lot of fine offensive players in those days before Styx and some of the other bands came on :)

Monday’s High School Girls Soccer Report

Camdenton Lakers – 2
Central Bulldogs – 0
Camdenton goals by senior Stephanie Kirvan (10) and freshman Danielle Brooks (1). Camdenton sophomore goalie Sandra Shore gets the shutout, but Central’s freshman keeper stole the show with several incredible saves.

Ozark Tigers – 3
Joplin Eagles – 0
Ozark got all three goals in the first half and held on for the win. Alicia Collard got the game-winner in the 17th minute of play, with goals by senior Eva Schwert in the 32nd minute and a long range shot by Jayme Braun in the 38th minute. Story on Tiger’s website.

Marshfield Blue Jays –
Mt View Birch Liberty Eagles –

Greenwood Blue Jays vs Joplin McCauley – canceled

Kickapoo Chiefs – 3 (1st OT)
Nixa Eagles – 2
Rachel Murphy would open the scoring for the Eagles, who then gave one up to McKenna Adams of the Chiefs on the ensuing restart. The Chiefs would get their first lead of the game on Abby Anderson’s PK due to an Eagle’s hand ball in the box. The Eagles fought back to tie the game in the 72nd minute when Shelby Zielke sent a cross into the box which found Courtney Frerichs who was able to redirect the ball past the keeper.

The game winner came late in the first OT when McKenna Adams scored on a corner kick. Story on the Eagle’s site