A season-opening 6-2 win at Class 3 Hazelwood West Saturday morning offered a view to the commitment the Eagles have brought to their preparation this season. Attacking in waves despite the high temperatures at 10am, the woodwork denied them twice in the first 15 minutes. They broke through in the 21st when Nate Sapp (#3) finished at the far post following a cross from the right side. Junior Jacob Moore (#2), the Class 1 Co-Offensive Player of the Year in 2012, extended the lead a minute later with a penalty kick and Landon Bartel (#1) scored in the 28th as he followed Moore into the box and finished a loose ball as the defenders converged on his teammate.

Hazelwood West fought back with a goal in the 35th with some fine combination play, started by #14 from his central defensive position, finding #15 who saw #8’s run down the right side. A ball over the top of the defense allowed #8 to find space before he turned towards goal and sent a square ball just outside the six yard box, finished by ….

The Eagles have seen their title hopes ended by Springfield Catholic the last two years as the Fightin’ Irish earned their first two state titles. In 2012 it was 0-1 loss in the final when Danny Renner, a 6-foot-2 senior defender, rose to meet a Reilly Harbach corner kick in the 58th minute for the game’s only goal. In 2011 it was a Quarterfinal win

Catholic graduated eight seniors, including All-Staters Mitch Moncada and Evan Craig, now playing for D2 Rockhurst, who combined for nearly 100 goals. They also lost goalkeeper James Straus. Reilly Harbach & Ryan Randell, 2nd team All-Staters will be the Irish leaders this season.

UPDATE – both Reilly and Ross Harbach now attend Glendale. Reilly is not eligible to play for the Falcons while MSHSAA has ruled that Ross is eligible only for JV.

The Eagles return junior Moore, who can be seen in the video below at the 2012 State Cup, along with seniors Calvin Bill, Class 1 Defensive Player of the Year, forward Landon Bartel (1st team) and MF Nate Sapp (2nd team) to this years team.

Jacob Moore, Springfield SC 2012 State Cup

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