Girls Private-Parochial – Ben Timson, Springfield Catholic High School (Mo.)
Timson’s team posted a 23-4 record on the way to its second consecutive Missouri Class 1 state championship. In the past two seasons the team has a combined record of 44-9-1 and has reached the state semifinals each of the past three years.
This video is following the team’s first State Title in 2010 over Trinity
First year coach Tom Guinn didn’t know what to expect when he took the job as head coach of the boys soccer team at Springfield Catholic. He had never even seen them play. Guinn knew about the team’s recent success but he was told the Irish had lost quite a few seniors and he would have his work cut out for him.
“Going into it I knew the expectations were going to be high,” Guinn said. I knew people were expecting us to win but I didn’t know what kind of talent we were going to have. I would say within the first week or so I knew that this team was going to be good.”
Guinn’s gut feeling turned out to be a little off, the Springfield Catholic boys soccer team was a lot better than good. On Sunday, they capped an undefeated 29-0-1 season with a Class 1 State Championship by beating Pembroke Hill (KC) 1-0 in Blue Springs.
The state title was the first by a boys’ soccer team in Southwest Missouri and it was a long time coming for the Irish. Though this is only the fifth year of the boys’ soccer program at Springfield Catholic, the team has seen its share of heartbreak. After finishing third in 2008, the Irish were beaten in the state championship game the next two seasons.
Senior midfielder Luke Straus started in every Irish state tournament game. He said it was a huge relief for the team to finally break through this season.
“My freshman year was the first time we ever went to state so honestly I was pretty happy with third and just going to state,” Straus said. “The last two years have been pretty painful because we knew we were the better team.”
Last season, the Irish entered the state championship game as heavy favorites against a Whitfield team they had beaten 3-0 in the regular season only to be shutout 1-0. Things had an eerie feel as the Irish stepped onto the pitch Sunday against a Pembroke Hill team they had dominated in October.
“It was déjà vu all over again for us this year because we played Pembroke Hill in the regular season and beat them 3-0 and then we see them in the finals and we have a chance to exorcise our demons,” Guinn said. “I told the guys to realize that this isn’t a regular season game this is a state title game, it’s completely different and they need to come out and get things done.”
During the regular season, there were only three games that the Irish did not win by at least three goals (the tie came against Ft. Zumwalt West in the Gateway City Classic) but, like coach Guinn said, everything is different in the state title game.
Pembroke Hill hung right with the Irish, but in the end the better team found a way as junior forward Mitch Moncada’s header landed in the back of the net and the Irish were finally state champs.
To make sure that sure that they did not wear down at the end of the year, the Irish made conditioning a big part of their training. Senior defender Reid Harbach said that the team’s goal was to out-work everybody else.
“We like to keep a high level of practice all the time,” Harbach said. “We work hard during sprints and everything to make sure we’re more fit than the other teams because it makes a huge difference in the end.”
Coach Guinn said that a combination of great leadership from his five seniors and the team’s strong work ethic were what put the Irish over the top. He said that from the first day of practice, the Irish were fiercely intent on winning the title and going undefeated and being the first Springfield area team to do so were just icing on the cake.
“I think it does mean a lot now that we’ve done it,” Guinn said. “It does mean a lot to the Springfield community. It puts Springfield soccer on the map.”
Next season, coach Guinn and everyone else should have a pretty good idea of what the Springfield Catholic team is capable of. Now that they’ve gotten over the hump, good luck getting them back down.
This story was written by Harrison Keegan who previously covered Sporting KC on this website. He is a Missouri State student who covers sports for the Missouri State Standard and has also worked for TAGSGF.com.
MITCH MONCADA’S GAME WINNER AGAINST PEMBROKE HILL
UPDATED – photos and videos Another nice day on the pitch ahead of us as temps started out in the low 70′s and aren’t supposed to exceed 79 later this afternoon. Slight cloud cover, it’s pretty sweet compared to what we’ve experienced in the past.
Springfield SC
Four teams competing today, with Boys 13-16 games. Early results include a 1-1 tie for the 15s, A loss for the 13s, a 5-1 win for the 14′s and the 16′s shut down Inter 7-0. Video below of U14′s game-winner.
The 13′s need a win to advance, 14′s play for a Quarterfinal spot as well, 15′s need a win to advance, the 16′s are in control in their group needing only a tie, 17′s advance with a win or a tie as do the 18′s who were idle today.
Total Demize SC
Three teams competing today, Boys 16, 17 and 19. First result has the 16s falling to Gallagher Elite 0-5, the 17′s lost to Gallagher Elite 2-5 and the 19′s lost 1-2.
The 16′s will not advance but will battle for a win against Gallagher, also winless. The 17′s were also knocked out of the group title chase but will face Columbia Pride Blue for 2nd place in the group. The 19′s were eliminated in a close game today.
Central Missouri
Mid MO 13 Girls appear to have advanced with a wild card spot, despite losing today. Carrera 16 Girls gets shut out 0-5 and are will not advance out of group play, nor will the Pride 18 Girls who finish against Lou Fusz tomorrow.
CSC Pride send the U13 boys through to the quarterfinals, 14′s lose and will not advance, the 17 Blue squad plays Total Demize for pride points and apparently the 17 White squad is done? No game today against Ajax, the pitch was empty at the scheduled 5pm start with word of a forfeit by one of the teams. Gallagher Elite is shown with a 4-0 win against the Pride on Monday already and advance apparently. The 18′s lost 1-2 to Gallagher who advance out of the group.
U13 Boys
Springfield SC – 1
WC STL Wurdack – 2
SSC fall, putting them in a 2nd place tie in the group and facing the current number 1, Gallagher, in the final group game tomorrow. A win is necessary to possibly move on to the knock-out round.
CSC Pride – 4
Woodson City Rangers -3
The Pride win in a high scoring match that guarantees a spot in the Quarterfinals on Tuesday as the #1 team in their 3 team bracket, with 4 points from a tie and a win.
U14 Boys
Springfield SC – 5
WC STL White – 1
SSC got a pair of early goals today, the first from Cooper Dunn on a header (video below). A breakaway by Josh Ellerbee and Logan Tyler’s 26 yard direct kick (video) and the boys in red were off to the races inside of 25 minutes today. A fourth goal by Alex Gathright and an own goal completed the score line for SSC, who gave up a late PK to WC.
The team plays Monday for a spot in the Quarterfinals. They face Mid Rivers Miller who beat WC 4-0 on Saturday. The loss of focus late, giving up the PK goal, deny them the goal differential advantage going into this game. The boys will need to do a better job of using their width and the attacking capabilities of their backs to ensure they advance. It was too easy to become addicted today to the direct ball against a weak defense. They have the tools necessary but will need greater discipline.
CSC PRIDE 96/97 – 1
SLSG GERMANY 96/97 – 2
The loss, combined with a draw in their first game Saturday, means the Pride will not advance out of the Group stage.
U15 Boys
Springfield SC – 1
Futura Academy – 1
Futura currently sits atop the group with 4 points and await the results of SSC’s game against Lou Fusz tomorrow. A win by more than 3 goals ensures the boys advance, a win positions them for a possible wildcard spot with 4 points.
U16 Boys
Springfield SC – 7
Inter – 0
The win puts SSC at the top of their group with 6 points from 2 wins. A win or a tie on Monday against Futura, who are 1-1, ensures they advance.
Total Demize SC – 0
Gallagher Elite – 5
The loss eliminated TDSC from contention. They’ll wrap up their tournament with a game against SLSG Green who are also out of the running.
U17 Boys
Total Demize – 2
Gallagher Premier – 5
The Demize fell after giving up 3 goals in the first 13 minutes, the first a tap-in after the GK stopped an initial shot but the rebound was not cleared. Gallagher eventually scored all five in the first half but to TDSC’s credit, they outscored them from the 44th minute on. The first goal was scored in stoppage time in the first half as the boys finally finished an opportunity, having seen several go by the wayside earlier. Then midway through the second half another goal was created after a nice build up. This team has skill, pace and worked hard throughout but could not match the STL squad across all 11 players. A lineup change in the second half also tightened up the defense and led to the advantage gained. A fair result and for me, a nice look at a good group of players that will positively impact their high school teams in the Fall.
U18 Boys
Columbia Pride – 1
Gallagher Elite – 2
U19 Boys
Total Demize – 1
KC Blaze – 2
U13 Girls
Mid MO United – 0
Gallagher Premier Navy – 2
With 3 points from a win and a loss, the team is positioned for a wild card spot it appears.
U16 Girls
Carrera SC – 0
WC STL Academy – 5
With their loss, the Columbia girls will not advance out of the group. Their final game on Monday will be against Mid Rivers Larsen/Blue who are the group leaders with 6 points from 2 games.
U17 Girls
SLSG IL 93/94 – 3
JB Marine Devereux – 0
A second straight shut out win for the Gallagher girls means a win or a tie will advance them to the Final. They play JB Marine Bozesky who have 4 points and need a win to advance.
U18 Girls
Columbia Pride – 0
Gallagher Navy – 8
A loss to the group leader means tomorrows game against Lou Fusz will be for pride.
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MRL 9596: Tucker Brown, Springfield SC ((Logan Rogersville 2015) rises high
Teams that compete in the MRL are eligible to compete in State Cup Tournaments (unlike US Development Academy teams) and the League is seen as the primary method for preparing teams to pursue success in the State Cup – Regional Championship – National Championship competitions.
This weekend the U15 Boys (95/96) will be hosting three teams for their final weekend of games in the MRL 1st Division Blue West group. Here are the current standings. The Top two teams are promoted to the Premier Division next season.
Team | Wins – Losses – Draws | Points
St Louis Scott Gallagher Elite (MO) | 5 – 0 – 2 |17
Campton United Navy (IL) | 4 – 1 - 1 |13 (one game remains)
Springfield SC 95/96 I (MO) | 3 – 0 – 4 | 13
KCFC Celtics 95/96 (KS) | 3 - 4 – 0 | 9
St Louis Scott Gallagher Premier (MO) | 3 – 1 – 3 | 12
KC Legends World Cup 1 (KS) | 1 – 4 – 2 | 5
Kansas City Premier 95/96 Boys (KS) | 1 – 4 – 2 | 5
Inter FC (IL) | 0 – 6 – 0 | 0 (one game remains)
5/14/2011
St Louis Scott Gallagher Premier (MO) – 1
Springfield SC 95/96 I (MO) – 1
5/14/2011 Kansas City Premier 95/96 Boys (KS) lost to St Louis Scott Gallagher Elite (MO)
5/15/2011
St Louis Scott Gallagher Elite (MO) – 2
Springfield SC 95/96 I (MO) – 2
With an opportunity to earn promotion to the Premier Division with a win, the boys took the lead in the 5th minute via a penalty kick. The early game opened up play as Gallagher needed a tie to ensure promotion while SSC needed the win. Midway through the second half, forward Mark Segbers (Vianney 2014) was fouled in the box which led to a tying PK, well taken by Jacob Erwin (St Francis Borgia 2014). More important was when on the ensuing restart, Gallagher quickly regained control and Erwin’s run down the left took him straight into the box, allowing him to score from the edge of the 6 yard box less than a minute later, giving Gallagher the lead.
The boys were able to tie the game (see video below) despite significant off-field challenges but it wouldn’t be enough to gain promotion to the Premier Division.
Kansas City Premier 95/96 Boys (KS) lost to St Louis Scott Gallagher Premier (MO)
Kansas City Premier 95/96 Boys (KS) – 0
Springfield SC 95/96 I (MO) – 0
A game with no impact on the standings following the mornings tie against Gallagher, the local boys were unable to generate enough interest in their perfomance to achieve anything more than a scoreless tie.
PHOTO GALLERY
All of the games are being played on the Greenwood Stadium Field at the Cooper Soccer Complex. Come see some of the best 15 year olds (freshman and sophomores) in the region. The photo is from 3 years ago, of current U16 players.
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The regular season comes to an end two weeks from today. District seeding may occur as early as next week.
Greenwood Blue Jays – 0
Logan-Rogersville Wildcats – 2
A goal by Haley Weeks in the 3rd minute and one by Colette Mast, also in the first half, were enough to get the Wildcats past the Blue Jays tonight. Photos available here
Carthage Tigers – 4
Central Bulldogs – 2
Carthage goals by Jamileth Henriquez (2) Tristen Bass (1 goal, 1 assist), Miraya Lopez
Marshfield Wildcats – 6
Republic Tigers – 2
Marshfield goals were scored by Alex Cantrell, who had a hat trick, Kylea Ryser with a brace (that’s 2) and Danielle Coffman.
Neosho Wildcats – 0
Glendale Falcons – 10
OZARK CONFERENCE
The Bulldogs sit atop the Conference with an unblemished record (6-0). Still remaining after tonights game are Camdenton on May 2nd and Glendale on May 3rd. Can they hold on?
Lebanon vs Camdenton is also a District 10 game. Camdenton dreams of District glory this year, and therefor must get past Lebanon if they hope to finally beat Rolla. As the Lake News noted last week – This year’s CHS senior class is winless all-time against Rolla, which has ended the Lady Lakers’ postseason run in districts each of the past two seasons.
Miriam Melugin (KHS 2014) & Emma Chilton (PHS 2014)
The Vikings matched the Chiefs intensity tonight, aided and abetted by a recent change that has moved freshman Emma Chilton into the middle. Emma offers the Vikings more bite in the middle, a necessary ingredient in the Ozark Conference. The Vikings backline, led by McKenzie Payton, once again features Anna Withers, Messick and Amy Green and this experienced group will be key come Districts where a single goal can determine the outcome.
The Chiefs, who welcomed the return of McKenna Adams and Kate Bess from injuries, will look at how a foul 30 yards out impacted the outcome. Much like the Glendale match a month ago. Strong games against Ozark and Camdenton next week will be important to earning a #2 seed in preparation for Districts. Oh, and that rematch with the Falcon’s on May 11th.
Rolla Bulldogs – 5
Joplin Eagles – 0
Lebanon Yellowjackets – 0
Camdenton Lakers – 3
Camdenton goals by freshmen Morgan Henry and Whitney Snow and game winner by Danielle Brooks (junior). Camdenton improves to 11-4 and 5-1 in Conference play
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Lionel Messi, Barcelona
From the Guardian’s post-game report, The Key Clashes:Pepe and Diarra v Messi
Mourinho had asked the energetic Pepe and Lassana Diarra to loiter and snap at Lionel Messi whenever the Argentinian was on the ball. That served to clog up the middle, draining the contest of rhythm and sapping the visitors’ impetus, with the Real pair constantly pressurising the ball whenever it fell within his zone of influence. Yet Messi is a force of nature. When he could wriggle into space, he was the game’s only real entertainer-in-waiting. He dropped deep willingly, hoping to spring from the clutter, and conjured staggering passes in inter-plays with Xavi and David Villa to unnerve Real. He drew a foul from Sergio Ramos that ruled him out of the second leg with one trademark dart, with his task potentially made easier by Pepe’s harsh dismissal. That offered more space in which to prompt panic, and his dart across Ramos to convert Ibrahim Afellay’s cross, then jinking run through Real’s backline, took the breath: brief eruptions of football amid the maelstrom.
The best morning match will be Kickapoo vs Lee’s Summit West. 11:30 am at Kickapoo.
Championship
Lees Summit West – 1
Catholic – 0
A goal in the 31st minute by LSW was the difference
3rd Place
Kickapoo Chiefs – 3 (1st OT)
Oak Park – 2
The Chiefs got the game-winner from senior Marin Gelsheimer tonight. Early in the first overtime period, Marin went down hard after a tackle that earned a yellow card ejection, a fall that included a face plant that brought tears to the captains eyes. She dragged herself up and got into position for the ensuing free kick and the video below tells the story – a game winning goal via header, not backing down from the challenge and sending her teammates home on a high note. Pretty dramatic 60 seconds of soccer for me as I arrived just in time following Catholic’s game.
The Chief’s took an early lead against Oak Park as Megan Manes & Gelsheimer scored in the first half, only to see Oak Park tie the game in the second.
5th place
Howell –
Heritage -
7th place
Jeff City –
Republic -
Morning Games
FRANCIS HOWELL – wins
JEFF CITY -
HERITAGE – wins
REPUBLIC -
SPRINGFIELD CATHOLIC – 5
OAK PARK – 2
Oak Park scores in stoppage of 1st half to narrow the gap to 3-2 at halftime but Catholic finishes strong.
LEE’S SUMMIT WEST – 7
KICKAPOO – 0
Kickapoo stayed close in the first half and went to halftime down 0-1 but LSW poured it on in the second, using their depth and the wind to good effect.
Lee’s Summit West (3-0)
Catholic (2-1)
Kickapoo (2-1)
Oak Park (1-2)
Jefferson City (0-2)
Heritage (1-1)
Francis Howell (1-1)
Republic (0-2)
If you want to get out for an early game Saturday, check out the Glendale vs Jackson match at 10:00 am at Kickapoo.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Nixa Eagles – 3 (1st OT)
Rock Bridge Bruins – 2
Sr Kelsey Bartell gets the game winner in the 1st min of OT as the Eagles fight back with a goal in the final min of regulation by Shelby Zielke, direct from the corner kick (video) and Bartell’s winner. Bartell’s goal came as she opportunistically collected a cross from Anne Pierce, who one-timed Courtney Freirich’s back pass. Bartell beat the keeper to the ball and touched it past to the far post.
Bartell opened the scoring in the 31st when she ran onto a ball from Lauren Moats at the near post and redirected it into the roof of the net. #21, Anna Alioto, scored for RB with a ball from the right side over the GK reach.
The Bruins #7, Alyssa Fancher, found space on the far post in the 72nd min as the Nixa defense collapsed on Carmen Boessen and Alioto. Boessen’s square ball across the face was an easy tap in for 7 for the late lead.
3rd Place
Glendale Falcons – 5
Parkview Vikings – 0
Match Stats: Emily Cline (2G/3A), Alix Opfer (1G), Lacey Ragar (1G), Drianna Raff (1G), Dannie Weaver (1A), Courtney Wampler (1A).
5th PLACE
Parkway West Longhorns – 1
Jackson Indians – 3
7th PLACE
Bishop DuBourg -
Poplar Bluff Mules –
Morning Games, Losers Bracket
BISHOP DUBOURG
PARKWAY WEST – wins
JACKSON – wins
POPLAR BLUFF
Morning Game, Winners Bracket
NIXA Eagles – 5
PARKVIEW Vikings – 0
Nixa got 1st Half goals from Payton DeHart, assisted by Rachel Murphy, Murphy, assisted by Courtney Frerichs and Kelsey Haist, assisted by Jordyn Hoskins. 2nd Half goals were scored by Frerichs, unassisted and Bartell, unassisted. Shutout by Kristin Miller
ROCK BRIDGE – 3
GLENDALE – 2
A late goal puts the Bruins thru for a rematch with Nixa. Rock Bridge junior Kenzie Jacoby scored the Bruins’ first goal, followed by junior Carmen Boessen and senior Mary Bowman. Glendale Match Stats: Sarah Kate Sprouse (1G), Emily Cline (1G), Lacey Ragar (1A), Alix Opfer (1A), Coutney Wampler (1A).
Nixa Eagles (3-0)
Rock Bridge Bruins (2-1)
Glendale Falcons (2-1)
Jackson Indians (2-1)
Parkview Vikings (1-2)
Parkway West (1-2)
Poplar Bluff Mules (0-2)
Bishop Dubourg (0-2)
Lauren Moats, Kristin Miller, Kelsey Haist, Nixa Eagles (Sectional, 2010)
I need your support to continue this effort. Purchasing photos is the most important thing you can do to help me cover my costs (camera and video gear, website and photo site hosting, travel and my time). Please take the time to visit the photo site and make a purchase. You can get playing cards, mugs, anything that can be printed on. Be creative, share your kids accomplishments with your family in fun ways. Thank you to all who have done so already!
I can’t think of a better way to celebrate reaching this milestone 5000th story than sharing this post-game interview with the midfield duo at Nixa. Senior Kelsey Haist, headed for Missouri Southern in the Fall, and Lauren Moats, 1st Team All-State as a sophomore, set the tone for the Eagles and it’s one of quiet confidence, based upon delivering on the pitch. It also speaks to the development of the team, beaten last year in the Quarterfinals by Rock Bridge, who wore them down. The Eagles appear to have learned their lesson in that regard.
Questions? Contact me.
Jack Jewsbury, Portland Timbers vs Chivas, Photo: Gary Sheldon | ProstAmerika.com
Soccer by Ive’s provided his wrap-up
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION 1, PORTLAND TIMBERS 1 (HIGHLIGHTS)
Man of the Match – Shalrie Joseph. Had a good battle with James Marcelin all day, but the Revs standout helped New England get a point in a game where Portland very well could have taken a road victory.
Honorable Mention – Jack Jewsbury. His clutch finish helped Portland register its first point as an MLS team.
A Night to Forget – Kevin Alston. The Revs right back has been struggling and had a bad night that included him being out of position on Portland’s goal.
Rookie Watch – Stephen McCarthy scored his first goal and A.J. Soares played his best match of the season for New England. Meanwhile, Darlington Nagbe made his debut for the Portland Timbers.
Random Thoughts – Zack Schilawski’s struggles make you wonder how much longer he’ll be starting for the Revs, and if his problem have more to do with the Revs system or his own issues. James Marcelin was very impressive in midfield for Portland. He and Jack Jewsbury could be forming one of the more underrated central midfield tandems in the league
Here’s what OregonLive.com, the home town paper has to say – Jack Jewsbury steps up to lead Portland Timbers
“He’s probably our most important player right now,” midfielder Jeremy Hall said. “He sees things that tells you he’s been around the league. The stuff that he says is right on and it’s like almost having another coach out there.”
Jewsbury scored Portland’s lone goal in its 1-1 draw at New England Saturday, giving the Timbers their first point in Major League Soccer play. He also scored the Timbers’ first goal in their 2-0 win against Chivas USA in a U.S. Open Cup play-in game March 29. Each goal has contributed to momentum the team is riding as it approaches the home-opener against Chicago April 14 at Jeld-Wen Field.
“I’ve always seen myself as a leader,” Jewsbury said. “When I was in Kansas City, I learned from older guys like Jimmy Conrad that and now I’m trying to bring that to Portland.”
There’s also a nice wrap up of the US Open Cup win over Chivas, where Jack got the first goal scored by Portland in their history, the game-winner in their first game against an MLS rival and led by example – 2011 US Open Cup qualifying: Portland Timbers get first MLS win, topple 10-man Chivas USA In addition to the highlight video below, there’s a post-game interview with Jack you might enjoy, click on the link to go to the story.
