Alec Martinez, Glendale (2011) celebrates with fans after game-tying goal
Kickapoo Chiefs – 1
Alec Martinez had a coming out party tonight at the Greenwood Stadium Field. The senior midfielder came out in the second half this evening and set a stake in the ground, for his team and the region, as his creativity and skill opened up the game. A game that, other than a goal by the Chief’s in the 20th minute, didn’t bode well for the spectators or the players as neither team seemed capable of holding the ball for more than two passes during the first half.
The Chief’s took the lead in the 20th minute on a goal by sophomore Turner Adams, who had come on only moments earlier. A corner kick, won after Nate Lavoy’s blistering shot was pushed wide by goalkeeper Reece Connor, was volleyed by Adam’s as he ran onto the ball and somehow redirected it to the far post. (VIDEO)
The score remained 1-0 until early in the second half when the Falcon’s came out in their attacking formation, featuring Martinez up top paired with junior Austin Hart. Three minutes in, Martinez ran onto a well placed ball from jr Sam Knetzer and sprinted into the left side of the box ahead of his defender. His gently lofted shot eluded the on-rushing keeper and settled into the far side netting, tying the game. Only two minutes later, Martinez created the next opportunity when he settled a ball near the penalty spot and as two defenders converged, sent senior transfer Joe Aubuchon (from Hickman) into the box with a cheeky little back heel. Aubuchon’s run created the opportunity and as the defender reacted to the run, Aubuchon was taken down and drew the penalty kick. He calmly stepped up and converted the kick, getting the game-winner in his first derby game.
Asked about his experience, and how it compared to the games between Hickman and Rockbridge in Columbia, Joe noted there was no comparison. The student support far exceeded anything he was used to and his smile told the rest of the story.
The Falcon’s got their final goal in the 70th when sophomore Nic Bauer found space to receive Martinez’s pass near the top of the box. Bauer turned as the defense was slow to react and his simple chip shot from 22 yards out floated just beyond the reach of the Kickapoo goalkeeper and settled into the back of the net. (VIDEO)
These two Class 3 District 11 opponents meet for the first time this season in a game at Greenwood Stadium Field at the Cooper Soccer Complex tonight. JV kicks off at 5pm, varsity at approximately 6:45 pm. The last time they met was in the District 11 Final where Ian Kennedy’s 76th minute goal broke the hearts of the Falcon Nation. The Chiefs went on to defeat the Carthage Tiger’s 1-0 in the Class 3 Sectional before falling to Columbia Hickman 0-1 when the Kewpies scored on a corner kick in the 77th minute.
The teams have had three common opponents this season. Kickapoo defeated Camdenton 3-0 at home on Sep 7th while defeating Park Hill 1-0 and losing to Park Hill South 1-2 last weekend. The Falcons defeated Camdenton 3-0 at home last night while also losing 1-2 to Park Hill South and drawing 0-0 with Park Hill last weekend.
Who are you picking?
Rolla Bulldogs –
Jeff City Jays -
Class 3 regional clash at Rolla
Support This Site – Purchase photos of your favorite players!
Click on a photo or the link at the bottom to be taken to the Purchasing Site
