Tuesday High School Soccer Report

Greenwood Blue Jays – 5
New Covenant Warriors – 1
Tuesday’s opening game between these familiar foes once again left both coaches counseling patience. Nothing is ever as it seems when these two teams meet, and while Greenwood’s players walked off with smiles and congratulations following their win, last years results were still fresh in the minds of the coaches. A 3-0 loss to NCA in the opener last year led to the 4-0 win in the District semifinals in 2008, following a recent trend between these teams who have now met in Districts the last 3 years. The game that matters still looms.

But what about Tuesday’s game? Chris Aiken’s (pictured in white, 2 goals) work as midfield general for the Jay’s stood out for both coaches, as his leadership and ball-winning skills is where Greenwood’s ball control started. He had ample help as the Jay’s bring a balanced effort to this year’s squad, with Stuart Beezley (2 goals) spreading defenses and outside midfielders Jack Hogan and Cory McCoy (1 goal, 1 assist) creating opportunities with their work rate. Chris Algiere returns to marshall the defense and the Jay’s are positioned to be the strongest challenger for Catholic this year.

New Covenant had it’s moments, starting well when Tanner Stevers was allowed to run straight down the middle before pulling the trigger from just outside the box. His hard shot went in off the keepers hands and pointed to the Warrior’s possibilities as they went up 1-0. With Dylan Corbett up top, Dylan Fieker (pictured battling Aiken) moving between forward and midfield the Warriors can score. Replacing Bryan Murray and Jared Scott in central defense will be a tall order however. Jeremy Weimer will take the lead in the central defense and Mike Gloden returns for his 3rd year in goal. The Warriors were able to move the ball well on occasion, with a scene midway through the 2nd half highlighting the possibilities as Fieker collected a ball from the defense and took off on the counter-attack. As he reached midfield he looked to his left and urged his teammates on, laying the ball off freshman Seth Siebert who rushed to join him. 7 passes later the ball was in the box before Greenwood finally cleared it. With a full JV squad for the first time, the Warriors will work on increasing the ball touches and building some depth. October beckons!

Rolla Bulldogs – 8
Crocker Lions – 0

Carthage Tigers – 2
Parkview Vikings – 0
Carthage had a good showing the first game of the 2009 season. First goal scored early in the first half by Kevin Perdomo on an assist from Joe Curti. The second goal came late in the second half on a goal by Joe Curti assisted by Juan Ortiz.

Branson Pirates – 6
Logan-Rogersville Wildcats – 1
Newcomer Anthony Civiello opened the scoring for Branson placing his header past the LR keeper from a cross by Carlos Mena. LR tied the game just 10 minutes later on a strong run through the middle. Noah Lennon got his first of the night just before half to give the pirates a lead again and in the second half they never looked back. Four more goals put the match of reach while Branson moved the ball well and created numerous opportunities. The second half goals were scored by Roman Gomez unassisted, Noah Lennon unassisted, Kyle Hoeck assisted by Steven Hamilton, and Tanner Button assisted by Preston Neely. Jon Young got the goal for LogRog.

Ozark Tigers – 4
Marshfield Blue Jays – 0
Ozark goals by Landon Hunter, Zach Moore, Seth Hampton. Marshfield Keeper Nic Yonter with an unbelievable 33 saves!

Waynesville Tigers – 8
Hillcrest Hornets – 0

Monett Cubs – 1
Cassville Wildcats – 0
The Cubs travel to regional foe Cassville and get the shutout.