Glendale Falcons – 10
Hillcrest Hornets – 0
Molly Brewer scored in the 60th, from Emilee Williams corner, to finish the match tonight. A subdued celebration, including cake for the players and fans, as the team is focused on post-season success. Team photo will follow.
Less than three years ago we visited with Jeff as he earned his 500th victory. He hit the milestone on Tuesday September 4th 2007 when the Falcons defeated the visiting Waynesville Tigers by the score of 4-0. Jeff’s record at that time included 15 district championships, 14 conference championships, 10 quarterfinal appearances and two visits to the Final Four.
In the five seasons since he’s added a pair of Boy’s District titles (2007, 2008), and his 2008 squad went on to reach the State Final, losing to Rockhurst in the Final. He also had four different players earn All-State honors in that time period – Devon Newport (2007, 2008), Ryan Squires and Graham Basecke ( 2008) and Jordan Pitts (2009). On the Girls side, a District win in 2008 with a quarterfinal loss to Incarnate Word was followed by the run to the Final 4 in 2009. Girls winning All-State honors include Lorin Opfer in 2008 and Molly Brewer, Emily Jordan and Lindsey Sprouse in 2009. It was the girls program first ever trip to the Final 4, to go with three trips for the boys.
Congrats Coach Rogers!
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Kelly Smith, West Plains clears ball in front of Jennifer McArthur, Marshfield
Marshfield Blue Jays – 0 West Plains Zizzers – 1 (2nd OT)
She’s back! Sophomore Tasha Ugbah, who played a 10 minute shift in the second half for her first minutes of the season, came on at the start of the second overtime in the scoreless tie at Marshfield and got the game winner in the first minute. A thru ball sent Ugbah in a foot race with the defender and as the keeper came out, Ugbah poked the ball past her into the empty net. A key for the Zizzer’s was the play of junior Sammi Phegley in goal as she made several says during the course of the game to deny the Jay’s.
It was a lively game, despite the fact that Marshfield was coming off their Tournament win at Branson this weekend and a stretch of 6 games in 8 days. The Jays created more opportunities in the game, especially in the second half and first overtime period, but were unable to get the final touch on the ball including an early breakaway as well as a pair of crosses by senior Dannyca Mostrom from the right side that went right through the six yard box. A tough loss for the Jays as they battle to stay ahead of West Plains and Logan-Rogersville in the Class 2 District 5 seeding race.
Warrensburg Tigers – 1 Bolivar Liberators – 3
Another Class 2 District 5 game and a rematch of last years final, won by Bolivar 3-0, earning their first ever girls District title. The Liberators repeat tonight, solidifying their position as the likely top seed a month from now.
Glendale Falcons – 3 Nixa Eagles – 2
Molly Brewer scores the game winning goal on an assist from Emilee Williams. The Falcons also got goals from Williams (1G/1A) and Lindsey Sprouse. Nixa goals were scored by Jo Pavlowsky, unassisted and Kelsey Bartell, assist by Lauren Moats. Nixa’s record is now 9-3.
Caylin Manary, Parkview Vikings (2010)
Branson Pirates – 1 Parkview Vikings – 4
The Pirates took the lead in the first half with senior Neva Raschel’s unassisted goal, only to see Parkview tie the game on Jessica Maerz’s unassisted goal. The 2nd Half was all Parkview as Shelby Stewart scored a pair and Mary Langbartel, assisted by Emily Courtney, completed the scoring.
Neosho Wildcats – 3 Carl Junction Bulldogs – 2
This local derby was a lively affair tonight. Neosho jumped out to a 1-0 lead. A hand ball in the box gave Kelsey Swarens a chance to tie the game which she did from the penalty spot. Later in the first half a Neosho corner kick and header gave them another lead, 2-1 going into half. In the second half the Bulldogs once again tied the game. Kelsey Swarens had an unassisted goal to tie it 2-2. Later in the second half Neosho had a good shot outside of the box to take the lead 3-2. That end up being the final score. It was a good game both teams played hard. Carl Junction will play Carthage Thursday at home.
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Glendale Lady Falcons with Dr Rusty Bond, Cox Health
Second day of Spring practice and the weather is not cooperating. Still plenty of smiles to be found as the Lady Falcon’s spent their practice taking the long view as Dr Rusty Bond was on hand with his team to provide instruction the in the PEP ACL Preventation program, designed to help female athletes avoid ACL injuries. I’ll have more information next week on this free program offered by Cox.
The Glendale Falcons finished 4th last year in their first ever visit to the State Final 4, losing to Pattonville in the consolation game. The team lost two seniors, Emily Jordan and Jeni Frewin, but return seven senior starters and three of the most talented underclassmen in the region in Emily Cline, Molly Brewer and Alix Opfer – who took over for 2008 Regional Defensive Player of the Year Ashley McWilliams – when McWilliams went down with an ACL injury. Add in a pair of sophomore goalkeepers in Sarah Helm and Jacinda Lemons and it’s an experienced squad. A squad that like their small school counterparts across Highway 65 at Catholic, expects to return to the Final 4 in 2010. Ryan Collins does a good job of exploring those details in his article On The Road To State for the Glendale Quill on Monday
Twelve seniors and eight juniors return this year with one goal in mind: make it to State and play in the championship game.
The Lady Falcons return with a promising amount of talent. They lost only two seniors, Emily Jordan and Jeni Frewin, last year, Also, their top scorers, Lindsey Sprouse and Molly Brewer, return this season. Along with making it to State, the team has some other goals.
“I really want to beat Kickapoo and Catholic,” said senior Katie Brewer.
Ryan also added an article that explores the dynamics of the Brewer sisters who run the midfield for the Falcons. Check it out, great story on a very talented pair of sisters who are, well, sisters!
District 1st Team
Neva Raschel – Branson High School
Molly Brewer – Glendale High School
Emily Jordan – Glendale High School
Lindsey Sprouse – Glendale High School
McKenna Adams – Kickapoo High School
Abby Anderson – Kickapoo High School
Amanda Dominguez – Kickapoo High School
Kelsey Haist – Nixa High School
Rachel Murphy – Nixa High School
Jayme Braun – Ozark High School
Rachel Haden – Ozark High School
Paige Hemphill – Ozark High School
Jessica Maerz –Parkview High School
Shelby Stewart – Parkview High School
Ozark Tigers – 1 Glendale Falcons – 2
The Glendale Falcons, coming off a dismal weekend in Sedalia, waited until the 90th minute to send a message to their Southwest Missouri foes. Senior Jenni Frewin, receiving a square ball from freshman Molly Brewer, was able to run straight at Ozark’s Paige Hemphill, calmly slotting her shot to the far right post just outside the reach of the onrushing keeper. The goal came as a result of Mindy Rose Moffe’s (#2 red above) hard work on the right side, defending against an attack down the wing before sending the ball back down the line to Brewer. The whistle blew shortly after the restart, giving the Falcon’s the key District win.
After early opportunities for both teams, the Tigers got the early lead in the game. Senior Eva Swert (#21) received Megan Gunnels diagonal ball in full stride, running into the box before turning her defender and calmly slotting her shot to the far upper 90 in the 5th. In the 29th, Karis Hefton scored from 15 yards as she confidently knocked an attempted clearance into the upper right corner. It came after a 40 yard free kick by Emilee Williams that was knocked down but not controlled by the keeper.
The teams battled hard, and I thought this might be the breakthrough game for the Tigers in their attempt to get past the Falcon’s. It was an important step, although not the final one obviously, coming back from last year’s two shutouts against the Falcon’s and giving them a scare. The second half was a game fought in the midfield with both teams gaining the momentum for periods of time. I felt the Tiger’s came out in a somewhat defensive mode, giving up too many balls between their forwards and their midfielders, thus limiting their chances. At the same time, they showed great discipline and organization during the game and created some good opportunities. I’d be practicing corner kicks and throw-ins in the offensive end in anticipation of the next match up.
Central Bulldogs -
Neosho Wildcats -
Carl Junction Bulldogs – 1 Joplin Eagles – 3
Joplin goals by Kelsey Sanders, Yasmin Ulloa and Ashlea Norman.
Bolivar Liberators – 10 Pleasant Hope Pirates – 0
Game stats are: Jonna Welch 3 goals 1 assist, Jody McFarlen 2g 1 a, Sarah Magana 2 g, Jaclyn Bradshaw 2g, Mariah Roberts 1g, Laura Beth DeShazo 1a
Marshfield Blue Jays vs Branson Pirates moved to May 11th
Springfield Catholic vs Greenwood Blue Jays moved to Wednesday April 29th at 5pm
Bolivar Liberators – 5 Nixa Eagles – 4
The Liberators knocked off their Central Ozark foes with a goal by freshman Sara Magana (28), who leaped into the air near the penalty spot to meet Jonna Welch’s (excellent cross from the right side, nodding it into the net beyond the reach of the keeper. Beautiful goal, scored in the 77th minute, to negate a comeback by the Eagles from a 4-2 halftime deficit.
Both teams are very athletic and committed, it was a lively game that saw the attack go back and forth throughout the match. 2-2 only 20 minutes into the game, Bolivar went on to score two more to gain the early advantage. A shot by Jonna Welch from the right side just outside the box somehow fell under the cross bar, and a throw-in by Julie Magana (23), done via the flip and near the endline, worked to perfection as she put it to the near upper corner where it was easily knocked in when the keeper was unable to handle the hard throw.
Both teams came out hard in the 2nd half but it was the Eagles that began to put together the passes necessary to maintain possession and create opportunities for themselves. The first came from the penalty spot, following a foul in the box. Taken confidently by Kelsey Haist, it energized the Eagles further and they continued the attack. The 4th goal was a beauty, nodded into the net at the far post by (18) from Haist’s cross near the right endline. Haist got to the spot by picking up an attempted clearance and then battling through 3 defenders, pushing the ball past a second attempt to stop her in the box, and then delivering the quality ball.
Bolivar’s goals were scored by Jody McFarlen (PK), Hannah Harris, Julie Magana, Jonna Welch, and the game winner in the 75th minute by Sarah Magana.
Bolivar and Nixa both have teams prepared to compete. The Liberators just want to go forward, and have the youth and energy to do that all night. Nixa appears poised to join Glendale, Kickapoo, Ozark and Catholic as a program that wants to move the ball on the ground and create goals. When they spread the field tonight, they were able to do just that. Bolivar’s pressure, and some early season injuries, meant they weren’t able to get the job done in the time available to them tonight. I’m looking forward to seeing both teams several more times with the playoffs only a month away now.
Joplin McAuley – 3 Carl Junction Bulldogs – 0
Goals by Jae Stephens, Erin O’Keefe, and Sammi Graham. Arielle Santillian 2 assists, Sarah Onstot first ever shutout.
Janessa, Honorary Captain, Mt Home Bombers
Mtn. Home (AR) Bombers – 4 West Plains Zizzers – 0
Janessa, a fourth grader in the Mt Home (AR) school district is a big soccer fan. She’s battling cancer and goes to Little Rock every 2 weeks for chemo but wanted to see a game. The good weather meant today was the day – Janessa was an honorary captain and the team presented her a signed ball. The Zizzer’s offered a jersey signed by all the players (pictured) as well. Janessa handled the the coin toss (we lost the toss and mtn home deferred and let us have the choice anyway – good sportsmanship). It was a big night for Janessa and a nice win for the Bombers.
Greenwood Blue Jays – 3 (PK’s) Marshfield Blue Jays – 2
100 minutes could not decide the contest but Greenwood prevails in pk’s. Marshfield goals scored by Kylea Ryser and Alex Cantrell. Liza Salisbury and Cook record the Greenwood goals
Camdenton Lakers – 2 Branson Pirates – 0
Goals were scored by Stephanir Kirvan, Latea LaRue, Jessica Smith, Haley Baker, and Kayla Utley. Smith and Baker each had an assist while Ashley Paschel had two assists on the night.
St Dominics Crusaders – 2 Springfield Catholic – 0
In a rematch of last years quarterfinal, won 3-1 by the Crusaders, the teams met in cold and wet conditions at Hickman High School where things warmed up quickly. St Dominics is the defending state champions and returned the majority of their squad from the previous year while Springfield Catholic brought their freshman heavy line up. From reports received, the quality of the game was high and it was the second half before the Crusaders were able to break the deadlock.
Incarnate Word Red Knights – 5 Glendale Falcons – 0
In a game delayed an hour to remove standing water from the pitch, it was the Red Knights who matched the power of the thunderstorm that preceded the game. The Falcon’s applied all of their skill and effort to the match but this game served as a reminder of the distance yet to go before Southwest Missouri soccer will be able to challenge for a High School title.
The Red Knights feature a squad that includes six Division I recruits in the starting 11 today, including a pair of players who recently represented Missouri in the National ODP Tournament (#2, Kelley Gravlin and #16, Sarah Doggendorf). Add #3 Blake Miller and #5 Drea Barklage (pictured in red) who won a National Title as U15′s and the size of the challenge faced by the Falcons (and Chiefs last year) becomes apparent.
Photo Slideshow
The game-winner was scored in the 25th minute by #4, Kristine Vogt, who was waiting in the six yard box when Miller somehow not only ran down a ball in the right corner but was able to turn on it and send it sliding into the box. Vogt redirected it between the charging GK and defender and the Red Knights had the margin they would need. Vogt got a second goal in the 31st when she received a throw-in near the top of the 18 yard box and was able to turn and send a ball to the far post, just inside the upright.
The second half began with Miller once again imposing herself on the game. In the 46th minute, she created a throw-in deep in the right corner. The ball was received by Katie Impierale and pushed to Miller who ran from the end line towards her own goal with the ball. She turned and sent a cross to the far side, just outside the six yard box, where #13 Alex Baer confidently headed it into the upper corner for a 3-0 lead. Miller scored in the 52nd minute when she picked up a loose ball near midfield, made a run down the middle and as three defenders closed on her, let loose a shot from 28 yards out that went into the upper right hand corner. The final goal was scored by Kelley Gravlin on a shot from just inside the box.
The Red Knights advance to the semifinal where they will face off against St Teresa Academy at 8:00 pm Friday in Fenton. They’ll be out scouting tonight’s quarterfinal match between Nerinx Hall and St Joseph as well as Hazelwood Central vs Francis Howell North.
The Falcons finish at 20-6, following their return to the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2004. They will return 7 of the 11 starters in today’s match, including their two leading scorers (Cline, Sprouse), leading assists (Frewin), midfielders Jordan, Brewer and Williams as well as sweeper McWilliams. Don’t cry for the Falcons.
Glendale Falcons – 5 Ozark Tigers – 0
The game opened today in front of a large crowd, happy to be in the sunshine, evenly split between fans of the traditional power and the new upstart coached by a regional icon. With the wind at their back, and memories of their 0-3 loss April 25th in the back of their minds, the Tigers attempted to reach new heights yet again in this season of success. The Falcon’s, led by their six senior All-Stars, could have been tempted to consider the graduation ceremonies beckoning them later this evening.
It was all business for the seniors. Moments after the Tigers had their first successful foray into the Glendale box, the Falcon’s made their opponent pay for pushing up. It started in a familiar way, with senior Lou Opfer successfully collecting a pass at midfield and holding it against strong pressure. This allowed freshman Emily Cline to begin her run up the left side with Opfer sending a through ball that led her perfectly. Cline was able to beat her defender and turn towards goal where she threaded a ball between the goalkeeper and an onrushing defender for what turned out to be the game-winner in the 8th minute.
In the 10th minute, a set piece led to another goal for the Falcons, once again from Cline. Sophomore Emilee Williams put a ball up and just over the defensive line at the top of the box. It appeared the defense lost sight of the ball which allowed Cline to pounce on it and push it to the right side, where it bounced in off of the upright. Cline scored a third in the 21st minute, taking a ball from the left side and after a collision with the final defender, suddenly found herself going in on goal unmarked where she buried it reliably. Lindsey Sprouse completed the scoring in the first half in the 30th minute when in a repeat of Cline’s first effort, she was able to run into the box and as she moved from left to right, turned on the ball and buried it to the left side. The final goal was the prettiest, as Williams sent a cross from the left side into the box. Cline climbed high and headed the ball back to the far post, sealing the win and sending the Falcon’s to their first Quarterfinal since 2004.
The Falcons will play in the Quarterfinals on Saturday May 24th at 2:00 pm at Missouri Science & Technology’s campus in Rolla, MO. The opponent is Incarnate Word Academy, 3-0 winners over the Jefferson City Jays this evening. There’s a nice article on their center back Drea Barklage, a teammate of Chealsey Russell’s on the St Louis SC U15 National Champions from 2005. That list (IWA, STL SC) includes Blake Miller who has 8 game-winning goals for the Red Raiders. And you’ve probably heard, they are ranked #2 in the US by at least one poll.
BTW, congratulations to the graduating seniors and Happy Birthday to Karis!
Springfield Catholic – 4 St James Tigers – 0
The Irish faced off for the second straight year against St James in their quest to return to the Final 4. The Tigers had a year to prepare for this match and the defensive barriers held until the 23rd minute when freshman Shelby Hatz got the first of her two goals. Anna Delong would score in the 28th, Hatz would get her second before the half and junior Maddy Renner continued her recent scoring string with the final goal in the second half.
The Irish will play Saturday May 24th at 11:00 am at Columbia Hickman High School. The opponent is St Dominic’s, 5-0 winners over Hannibal this evening. This will be a rematch of last year when the Irish lost to the ultimate State Champions 3-0. St Dom is currently the 2nd ranked small school in the St Louis Metro area.
#4 Lebanon Yellowjackets – 3 #1 Waynesville Tigers – 2
The Yellowjackets found the same reservoir of energy tonight that took them to the District Final last year when they upset the Glendale Falcons. It was the Tigers that established the early bragging rights, scoring 20 seconds into the game from Lauren Kelly, a margin they took to the locker rooms at halftime. In the words of Coach Gow, who leaves Lebanon for the Tigers job when this season ends, there was no need to raise his voice or even discuss what needed to be done. Each of the ladies knew what was needed and what they as a team were capable of having been here before. Junior Cassie Wood tied the game in the 48th on assists from Ashley Shockley and Chelsea LaFors but Erica Combs regained the lead for Waynesville in the 53rd.
In the 60th minute, Callie Beard scored her first ever Varsity goal when she banged a ball from the midfield line that in combination with the wind somehow found it’s way under the crossbar, giving Lebanon their second tie. Wood got the ultimate game-winner in the 67th on an assist from Brianna Ragains. Both of her goals were scored on headers this evening.
Katie Pritchard had an opportunity to tie the game in the final minutes but was unable to connect, ending the remarkable run the Waynesville Tigers made this year. Undefeated in the Ozark Conference , a second straight Conference title but it will remain for a future team to earn the first Girls District Soccer title.
#2 Glendale Falcons – 2 #3 Rolla Bulldogs – 1
The Falcon’s rebounded from last year’s disappointment to defeat the defending District Champions this evening on a late goal by Emily Cline. Glendale scored first when Jenni Frewin continued her recent scoring streak, assist to Cline. Rolla’s Jaclyn Standfast tied the game in the first half, unassisted, and thats where the score remained at halftime. The second half was a two-way battle as both teams attacked relentlessly until Cline broke through in the final 10 minutes, assisted by Emilee Williams.
Rolla had a breakaway in the final minute of the game that grazed the upright. Senior Rachel Duckworth apparently got just enough of the ball to deflect it and protect the Falcon’s lead.
The District title game will be Thursday at 6:00 pm at Lebanon. The Yellowjackets return to the final for the second straight year, this time they’ll face the Glendale Falcons.
Class 2 District 12
Ozark Tigers – 3 Parkview Vikings – 0
The Tigers got a goal in the first half to open a lead they would not relinquish. The Vikings finish their season at 11-10 and look to return as many as 8 starters next year.
Kickapoo Chiefs – 5 Nixa Eagles – 1
Kickapoo opened the scoring via a corner kick in the 8th minute. The ball made it across the entire mouth of the goal before it was tapped in by Erica Freiert on the far side. A shot by Chelsea Russell went off the hands of the goalie before falling to x for an easy tap in and Freiert got a second in the 25th after a cross to the far post.
The second half opened with Nixa giving up an own goal off a corner kick as well. The Eagle’s got one back when their new #2 on the career scoring list, senior Stephanie Allen, scored on a PK. It came after Kelsey Bartell was fouled on a courageous challenge with the keeper. Keeper was called for the red card in the 55th. The final goal was scored by Chelsea Russell scored on a breakaway off a 70 yard punt by the Kickapoo keeper in the 64th minute.
Coach Tom Davidson will take his Ozark Tigers to Joplin on Thursday to face off against the Kickapoo Chiefs for the District 12 title. Game time is 6:00 pm.
Springfield Catholic – 2 (PK’s) Glendale Falcons – 1 In one of the most competitive and entertaining games of this season, the Southeast side rivals went toe-to-toe this evening in a classic battle. With the wind at their backs to start the game, Catholic applied plenty of pressure and had the first real opportunity when freshman Shelby Hatz was sent in on goal on a nice simple header by Anna Delong. Senior Rachel Duckworth reacted quickly and was able to deflect the shot . She would be called on again to backstop her teammates as Delong broke in alone. Catholic had a series of set pieces and corner kicks late in the half but were unable to score.
The Falcon’s finally broke the deadlock in the 58th minute, scoring on a header by Lorin Opfer from a corner kick by Emilee Williams. It was classic Opfer, as she went up in the middle of a crowd to find the ball. It came after a period of sustained pressure at the start of the second half, including Emily Cline’s breakaway in the 4th minute of the half, broken up by freshman Rachel Scott (pictured above) and cleared from behind her by defender Rachel Herron. It was beginning to appear that the wind and the pace would conspire to tire out the Irish. It’s a regular model for the Falcon’s as their 15 player rotation offers depth and speed that is not matched by many teams in the region.
There is no quit in the Irish however, and it was the fourth breakaway of the game when they finally broke through, as Shelby Hatz unleashed her shot from 12 yards out and to the far post on her third opportunity of the day, and out of Duckworth’s range this time. That is the real story line of this game – senior Rachel Duckworth of the Glendale Falcon’s can no longer be considered a rookie goaltender after the display she put on this evening, including two late saves requiring her to go horizontal to push shots wide. For the Irish, freshman Rachel Scott matched the result with her saves on shots inside the box in the final OT period in addition to her earlier work.
The resulting tie led to PK’s. Catholic shooters Anne Prenger, Ronnie Renner and Tara Bailes scored while the Falcons Cline, Opfer and Katie Brewer matched them in the initial round of five. In sudden death, GK Rachel Scott scored as did junior Maddy Renner while Maggie Schrier for the Falcons also scored. Advantage Irish 5-4 after seven rounds.
Now is as good a time as any to introduce you to my new photo website as well. In an effort to cover expenses (time, gas, my supplies) I’ve set up a site that offers printing services. Click on the Slide Show link and you’ll be taken to the site. You can see full resolution photos and order a wide variety of photo products featuring your favorite players by your favorite soccer journalist. Your support, via purchase of photos, will be greatly appreciated.
I’ll continue to provide low resolution photos on the Flickr website which your team is welcome to use on your website to promote the team. Please provide attribution if you do use them and remember, non-commercial use only. I’ve also been uploading photos to my Facebook page so reach out and friend me if you want me to tag you and save you the hassles of downloading the Flickr photos. Questions?
