Monthly Archives: April 2009

This Week in Springfield Soccer

Posted on by

A bit late today, I’m in STL working with a client again so I won’t be out for a match this evening. The best bet is at Kickapoo as they host the Nixa Eagles. One, there seems to be something about these two schools that goes back a few years and two, it’s a District 11 match up tonight. Add in the fact that Kickapoo will want to bounce back from the artificial surface results this weekend and there is plenty to juice this game up. Hopefully the Kickapoo pitch has handled the water well and the game can allow the teams to play the way they want to.

Greenwood hosts District foe Joplin McAuley at 5pm for the small school crowd.

Tuesday offers several Ozark Conference matches, with Parkview, West Plains, Kickapoo and Waynesville hosting games. A Central Ozark Conference match may offer the most interesting battle as Marshfield hosts Logan-Rogersville. A popular match up regardless of the sport, the Blue Jays have opened well this year and are probably counting on an easy win against their first year foe. If that is the approach they take, they will definitely be surprised. Even if they are prepared for a battle, they may not be ready for the tools that LogRog has available to them. Should be a good one at Marshfield Tuesday.

Before I move onto some other local games, how about some Champions League updates.
Tuesday 1:30 pm – Liverpool attempts to battle back against Chelsea (ESPN2)
Wednesday 1:30 pm – FC Porto vs Manchester United (ESPN2)

Jumping ahead to the weekend, it’s time for the Kickapoo Shootout. I’ll have more details later but #9 Lafayette returns and we’ll also see #13 Jackson (SE MO) and Rockwood Summitt. Sedalia Smith-Cotton went 1-1, at the recent Parkway College Showcase as did Parkway West, both will be in town. In addition, Branson and Neosho are holding tournaments so Saturday will be a full day in the region.

Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm the Southwest Baptist Bearcats, still without a Head Coach since Survivor Coach Wade, will be in town to play against the Drury Panthers. The women will play at Harrison Stadium.

The Drury Men will host a pair of teams on Saturday at Harrison. Westminster has been mentioned, I’ll pass on details later this week and check the Soccer Calendar as well.

Missouri State Bears head to Missouri S&T on Friday for a round robin with the Miners and William Wood. They return home on Saturday for their annual Alumni game which will be played at 3pm at Plaster.

See you at the pitch!

Missouri Girls High School Soccer Poll

Posted on by

GIRLS SOCCER POLL (4-10-09)

    Class 3

Rank Team Points
1 St. Joseph’s Academy (7) 105
2 Nerinx Hall 97
3 Howell North 90
4 Liberty 83
5 Lee’s Summit North 69
6 Park Hill South 54
6 Ursuline 54
8 Incarnate Word Academy 53
9 Lafayette 37
10 Cor Jesu 28
11 Lee’s Summit West 25
12 St. Teresa’s Academy 23
13 Jackson 22
14 Eureka 21
15 Howell Central 20
Others: Marquette 17, Glendale 12, Pattonville 11, Lee’s Summit 10, Rockwood Summit 9

    Class 2

Rank Team Points
1 St. Dominic (8) 80
2 Smithville 59
3 St. Francis Borgia 48
4 Duchesne 40
5 Cape Notre Dame 38
6 Notre Dame (STL) 31
7 Notre Dame de Sion 30
8 Moberly 29
8 Platte Co. 29
10 Visitation 19
Others: Kearney 17, Harrisonville 10, Helias 7, Pembroke Hill 4, Lutheran South 3

    Class 1

Rank Team Points
1 Trinity (4) 74
2 Springfield Catholic (3) 68
3 St. Pius (KC) 52
4 Principia 51
5 Orchard Farm 42
6 Greenwood 39
7 Barstow 28
8 St. Vincent-Perryville 25
9 Sacred Heart 23
10 Southern Boone 21
Others: St. Pius (Festus) 14, Whitfield 14, John Burroughs 14, Kennedy 9, Brentwood 9, Bishop LeBlond 8, Winfield 2

Springfield SC U18 Boys Open Midwest Regional League Season With 3 Shut Outs

Posted on by

With April showers comes the start of Midwest Regional League (MRL) play for the 2-time defending state Champion Springfield SC U18 boys squad. The boys will face three familiar foes this weekend in St Louis, and I hope to see one or more of the games while also enjoying Easter weekend with Mom.

MRL Soccer: U18 Premier - Springfield SC vs Chicago Sockers

Sockers FC Chicago U18 (IL) – 0
Springfield SC 90/91 (MO) – 3
Sunday saw the third straight shut-out for SSC as they defeated the Sockers through the air, on a fine run and finish (pictured above) and from the penalty spot. The first goal was scored by Ryan Moses as he rose above the defense to nod Tyler Bennett’s cross from the right side into the goal. That was in the 7th minute, shortly after Tim Griffin sent him in alone on goal and a shot that went just wide left. Late in the half, Devon Newport’s direct kick from 25 yards out went off the left upright but shortly afterwards, Griffin took it upon himself to expand the lead. Collecting a ball 40 yards out, he turned and beat his first defender. Continuing his run straight down the middle, with teammates making diagonal runs and calling for the ball, Griffin slid between two defenders as he ran into the box and calmly slotted his shot to the far side netting (pictured above) to make it 2-0.

SSC expanded their lead late in the 2nd half when Devon Newport was pulled down in the box. The PK was taken by Ryan Moses who buried it underneath the keepers diving attempt to stop the ball.

Saturday 3pm – Springfield SC 90/91 (MO) shut out their opponent, United 1996 International (KY) by the score of 2-0. Goals were scored by ?



Springfield SC 90/91 (MO) – 2
Fort Wayne Fever (IN) – 0
The boys look well prepared for their MRL season as the unspoken, and spoken, teamwork was working at a high pace this evening. Facing a familiar foe (I still remember that 1st game win against the Fever at the Region II tournament in Des Moines in 2007) they came out fast and hard. It led to a direct kick from 30 yards out in the 17th minute that was converted by Ryan Moses (SLU/Kickapoo) as shown in the video above. Ian Newport (SLU/Glendale) scored from the spot in the 61st minute for the final margin.

==================
A good weekend results-wise for the boys but I know Coach Cory Carr would have liked to see more. I’m going to dig into the USSF Academy program sometime in the next few weeks. This was not the same team I saw in June 2007 when the boys beat the Sockers 3-1 to get into the Regional semifinals, as the Sockers have moved many of them into the Academy team. And if the boys are going to go beyond the Regional semifinals this year, they can’t be pulling back now. I’ll have more photos, including a Socker’s album, later this evening. For now it’s time to go enjoy Easter with my family. Happy Easter to all!

All games are played at the new Scott Gallagher facility in Maryland Heights. Other scheduled games include:
United 1996 International (KY) v St Louis Scott Gallagher
Sockers FC Chicago U18 (IL) v St Louis Scott Gallagher
Fort Wayne Fever (IN) v St Louis Scott Gallagher

Weekend Southwest Missouri High School Girls Soccer Report

Posted on by

The Kickapoo Chiefs are in St Louis this weekend, playing a series of three games against public school opponents as part of the Parkway College Showcase tournament.

Parkway College Showcase: Parkway South vs Kickapoo Chiefs
Kickapoo Chiefs – 0
Parkway South – 1
Coming off their strong play in Rolla Friday evening, the Chiefs had high hopes of continuing the string but faltered on the slick artificial surface of the Fenton Complex Friday evening. The Patriots put consistent pressure on the Chiefs throughout the first half but the defense, and freshman goalkeeper McKenzie Danzer in particular, came up with some important saves. While the 2nd half featured more even play, the game-winner came midway through the half when the Patriots broke in down the left hand side. As sweeper Hilary Carr came out to assist, she slipped on the slick surface and Kaleigh Blood slid a square pass that Katie Hoener (#4 in white, defending Megan Melugin above) ran onto near the spot and buried the ball.

The Chiefs face off against a Granite City squad that beat Jefferson City early this season and has already faced off against several top area teams this season.

Kickapoo Chiefs – 0
Granite City – 2

Kickapoo Chiefs – 0
Parkway Central – 1

Parkway College Showcase official website


Ozark Tigers – 3 (PK’s)
Parkview Vikings – 2
An early District game, the Vikings took the lead twice in the game only to see the Tigers battle back both times on their home pitch. Overtime was scoreless which led to PK’s, won by the Tigers by a 3-2 margin.

The Ozark Tigers website features an extensive game report. If you’re team faces Parkview this year, it’s a must read. If your Shelby Stewart’s friend or family member, it’s a must read :)

Rolla Bulldogs – 3
Visitation – 2
The Bulldogs had to come from behind twice today to earn the win. Visitation took the lead 17 minutes in. Ashley Kerr tied it up at the 29 minute mark. Viz scored to take a 2-1 lead four minutes into the second half and then Olivia Cox tied it up 12 minutes later. Game winner on a PK at the 73 minute mark from Jacylyn Standfast. Bulldogs are 3-1-2 on the season.

Hillcrest Hornets -
Central Bulldogs -

Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper Cup Full of Highlights for Springfield Soccer Club

Posted on by

Springfield Soccer ClubPRESS RELEASE
During the weekend of April 4-5, 2009 the Springfield Soccer Club once again made its’ presence known at a local tournament. With several teams competing in the Ozarks Coca-Cola Dr. Pepper Cup hosted by Lake Country Soccer the familiar red and white uniforms were prominent on the fields. The weather conditions on Saturday were beautiful for early spring in Southwest Missouri, with Sunday being a quick reminder of the conditions can change overnight. Gusty winds, rain and cold made the conditions challenging on Sunday.

While it is still early in the spring outdoor season many teams and players seem to be hitting their mid-season form already. “All of the training teams have been putting in during the indoor season was showing that it paid off. A few teams even practiced during their spring break to be ready for the tournament and that shows dedication.” said Eric Sorlie Director of Player
Development for the Springfield Soccer Club.

ssc-97-98-ozarks-coca-cola-champions-31The SSC 97/98 Boys (pictured at right with Coach Carl Rose) highlighted the weekend by taking home the Championship in the Under 11 Boys 8 v 8 Bracket by defeating Sedalia Select in an exciting overtime game. The SSC 96/97 White Girls took home 2nd Place in the U12 Girls 8 v 8 Bracket. Coming off a successful indoor session at Lake Country Soccer the SSC 95/96 II Boys also brought home 2nd Place in the U13 Boys Bracket. Other notable performances were the SSC 95/96 II Girls in the U13 Girls bracket as they finished 2-0-1.

Thanks, to all players, parents, teams and coaches for a fantastic weekend of soccer right here in our own backyard. Without the support of Lake Country Soccer and the Ozarks Coca- Cola/Dr. Pepper Company events like this would be impossible in our community.

Visit the club website www.springfieldsportsclub.com for team pictures.

Thursday Girls High School Soccer Report

Posted on by

A pair of significant results tonight, with Ozark proving last year was no fluke and the Zizzer’s getting an early Ozark Conference win over the Joplin Eagles!

Ozark Tigers – 2 (OT)
Catholic Fightin’ Irish – 1
Scoreless until the second half when first Andrea Parker scored for Catholic, followed by Megan Gunnels goal for Ozark. 90 seconds into OT, Alicia Collard got the golden goal for Ozark. The Tigers website has a story

West Plains Zizzers – 2
Joplin Eagles – 1
The Eagles scored first, and early, when senior Kelsey Sanders put Joplin ahead in the 17th minute. The Zizzers responded via their tricky freshman forward, Tasha Ugbah in the 26th. They called on senior captain Mollie Plocher for the game-winner, which came via a direct kick from 22 yards out in the 57th minute. Wow!

Kickapoo Chiefs – 3
Rolla Bulldogs – 2
The Bulldogs give up their first goals of the season, having shut out their prior 4 opponents, while scoring 2 of their own in their first Ozark Conference game of the season. Abbey Anderson, Ericka Freiert and Amanda dominguez scored for the Chiefs, Megan Melugin had 2 assists. Rolla falls to 1-1 in the Ozark Conference, Kickapoo is now 2-0 in the Conference. Rolla Daily News story.

Parkview Vikings – 1
Lebanon Yellowjackets – 0
Kelsey Loderhose gets the only goal, via Jessica Maerz, as the Vikings get an Ozark Conference win. Caylin Manary earns the shutout

Logan-Rogersville Wildcats – 4
Mt. View Liberty Eagles – 0
Michelle Crawford scored 2, Hannah McGaughy scored 1 and Najee Donson scored one

Bolivar Liberators – 10
Clinton – 0
Jody McFarlen scored 4, Jonna Welch scored 3, Sarah Magana scored 2, and Izzy Mersch scored 1.

Greenwood Blue Jays – 2 (PK’s)
Willard Tigers – 1
The Tigers fall in OT for the second time this week, this time via the spot. Jays win in PK’s, 3-2

Carthage Tigers – 0
Joplin McAuley – 2

Waynesville Tigers -
Hillcrest Hornets -

Marshfield Blue Jays vs Branson Pirates – Moved to April 27 at 5:00
Glendale Falcons vs Camdenton Lakers – postponed until May 11th

Drury Panthers Host Oral Roberts Golden Eagles

Posted on by

Beautiful night, and interesting game Wednesday as the D2 Panthers hosted the D1 Golden Eagles who were visiting from Tulsa. The scoreboard favored the visitors, who scored on a breakaway against the run of play about 20 minutes into the second half. It came after an extended period of defensive play as the Panthers moved the ball from side-to-side and into the box although they never broke the plane of the goal on this evening.

Spring games are uncertain affairs, depending on rosters that can change significantly when the Fall comes, but for the Panthers I’m guessing Coach Bilbao was pleased in general. I’d like to see Kelsy Long more involved in the attack, her ability to score is well-documented, and the team didn’t have the commitment to get numbers into the box last night like I’ve seen in the past. BTW, that’s Emily West making the run into the offensive end and Olivia Philippart de Foy putting the ball off of the crossbar! There’s a 2nd video on YouTube as well from last night.

Springfield Shut Out In World Cup Venue Bidding Process

Posted on by

KC Wiz at Missouri State Bears

The US Soccer Bid Committee mailed letters last week to public officials and stadium operators in metropolitan markets across the United States in an initial and important step toward preparing a formal bid to play host to the FIFA World Cup in 2018 or 2022. Springfield was not included in the list of over 70 venues.

According to Soccer By Ives,

As you might expect, the list includes some intriguing markets, such as Fayetteville, Arkansas and Green Bay, Wisconsin. Basically, the list includes every major college football and NFL stadium in the country.

Down the Byline reminds us of the difficulties faced in 1994 for many of these football fields when it comes to hosting the worlds game.

Do you think Springfield not being included on the initial list has anything to do with the Park District policy of not allowing beer sales?

Kickapoo Chiefs Send Nine To College Soccer Ranks

Posted on by

Kickapoo 2009 Soccer Signings

The Kickapoo Chiefs hosted a signing ceremony for their Class of 2009 who will continue their soccer careers in the Fall. Pictured from left to right:
Matt Eubanks and Lane Chapman, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M Norseman (NJCAA); Chris “Tommy” Tombridge, Northwestern University Wildcats (D1); Tyler Bennett, Oglethorpe University Petrels (D2); Caleb Collier, Missouri S&T Miners (D2); Abby Anderson, Central Methodist University Eagles (NAIA) ; Ryan Moses, St Louis University Billikens (D1); Trevor Pedigo, Crowder College Roughriders (NJCAA)

Missouri Class 3 Western Region Girls Soccer Poll

Posted on by

Rank – Team, Record

1 – Liberty, 5-1-0
2 – Lee’s Summit North, 5-1-0
3 – Park Hill South, 6-1-0
4 – Lee’s Summit, 4-0-0
5 – St. Teresa’s Academy, 2-3-0
6 – Lee’s Summit West, 4-1-0
7 – Blue Springs, 3-2-0
8 – Blue Springs South, 2-3-1
9 – Truman, 2-0-0
10 – Raytown, 2-2-0

Unfortunately none of these teams are participating in the Kickapoo Shootout this year. We’ve seen Park Hill South who won against Kickapoo (2-0) and Ozark (3-0) and Blue Springs South who lost to Kickapoo (0-2) and Ozark (0-1) on Friday March 27th.

UPDATE – St Teresa’s beat Blue Springs 1-0 on Wednesday while they were unable to get past Liberty the previous week.