Tag Archives: Brett Thomas

PASL Premier: Springfield Spirit Hold Off Springfield Demize

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PASL Premier: Springfield Demize vs Springfield Spirit
Springfield Spirit – 10
Springfield Demize – 9
In our own little border war with the Spirit (IL), the Demize charged back from a 5-1 half time deficit on Saturday, outscoring the visiting Spirit 8-5 but never catching their rivals. It was a lively game, especially in the second half, as Brett Thomas lifted his teammates up on his back and attempted to get the win. While scoring only one goal himself, his drive and effort charged up his teammates and created opportunities. Goals were scored either on strong shots taken outside the box or from the side as the Demize were able to get three forward and create a man-advantage.

Unfortunately, the defense was unable to hold off the Spirit who featured a pair of physically strong and imposing players who also showed strong capabilities at holding the ball and getting into scoring position themselves. Twice the Demize gave up goals shortly after scoring when attackers gave up the ball in the midfield. A quick counter-attack and the momentum was stalled.

Goal scorers during the game were:

Season results saw the team finish 4-5, third of five teams in the Division with a goals against differential of -12 which was primarily fueled by the 5-25 difference in two games with the Kansas City Kings, the defending champions.

PDL Soccer: Springfield Demize Lose Another Tough One

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PDL Soccer: Springfield Demize host St Louis Lions Springfield Demize – 2
St Louis Lions – 3
Despite taking an early lead on a 6th minute goal by Brett Thomas, from Danny Foerster, the Demize once again fell on a late goal by an opponent. The team played a man down from the 21st minute when Ous Senghore was given a second yellow, and the resultant red card ejection, for a hand ball in the box. The Lions captain, Deno Merrick (MO Baptist Head Coach), calmly slotted the PK into the lower left corner to tie the game. The Demize fought back however to take the lead again on Thomas’ second goal of the game, and the season, after Foerster’s run into the box saw his shot parried by a diving keeper but the rebound fell to Thomas. He calmly lifted the ball over the keeper and into the far side netting as the team continued to fight.

The lead held until the 77th minute when the Lion’s leading scorer, Tom Heinemann (Rockford University) took a ball from Mike Utley and broke into the six yard box before sliding his shot to the near post. Heinemann scored again in the 82nd as the Demize pushed forward in an attempt to earn their first win of the season and spoil the Lion’s efforts to remain in the race for the Heartland Division crown. The goals were Heinemann’s 6th and 7th of the season, leading the Lion’s. He was denied on a couple of early attempts as goalkeeper Chris Hanlon fought to keep his team close but it was once again to no avail.

I’ll have video of the game in the next day or two (it’s the holiday’s after all) the final 4 goals and other action from the game.

The Springfield Demize finish the season with an away game at St Louis on Saturday and their final home game of the season is Thursday July 10th when the Des Moines Menace visit. The Menace are in third at the moment, with a pair of games this weekend against the leaders Thunder Bay that will determine their fate. The game next Thursday will feature the return of Drury Panther players Cody Reinberg and Marco Cherisma who are both playing key roles for the Menace.

PDL: Springfield Demize Open Season Tonight Against Rapids U23

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Springfield DemizeThe first home game will feature the Rapids U-23 squad, a PDL team based in Boulder CO.

The game is being played at the Cooper Soccer Complex, field 1 and tickets are $5, children under 6 are free. Game time is 7:30 pm and the forecast looks good.

The team is an international squad with professional aspirations. Games can match the quality of the Division 1 games we enjoy during the Fall and the team includes a good mix of local boys as well. I’m especially looking forward to cheering for Chris Murphy (Glendale 2004/Central Arkansas), Danny Curro (Nixa 2007/Avila University) and several recent graduates including Robbie Curtis (Ozark 2008/Lincoln Memorial) and Kyler Temple (Kickapoo 2008/Drury) along with Erik and Lane Chapman (Northeast Oklahoma and Kickapoo respectively). In addition, Eduardo Conde and Brett Thomas (2007 leading scorer) return.

The PDL is part of the United Soccer League and is equivalent to Single A baseball in that there are three more tiers to make it to the Majors, or Major League Soccer in particular. Unlike baseball, soccer is an equal opportunity employer and our local boys are competing in a national tournament known as the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The U.S. Open Cup, which is recognized as U.S. Soccer’s National Championship, is an annual competition open to all amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. The tournament has crowned a champion for 93 consecutive years dating back to 1914. Like Golf’s US Open, there are regional qualifying games that can lead to an amateur team like our boys competing at the highest levels.

Eight teams will participate from the PDL, where 60 teams are eligible to qualify for the U.S. Open Cup. The top two teams from the Central Conference, which includes the Demize, will advance. Tonight’s game is opening night of the qualifying round and our boys will play their four games between now and May 26th identify if they will be one of the two Central Conference squads that will advance from the Professional Development League (PDL).

This one means something folks. Come cheer them on!
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